’n Kritiese analise van die begrip ratifikasie volgens die Gereformeerde Kerkreg

Abstract

A critical analysis of the concept ratification according to Reformed church polity

This article reflects critically on the view that local churches should in a separate act, after major assemblies have taken their resolutions, ratify the decisions before it could be regarded as valid and binding. Attention is given to the following aspects: The meaning of expressions such as ratum facere and ratum habere in law and church polity; perspectives from the Reformational approach on issues such as the authority of decisions of major essemblies and a critical evaluation of the arguments of protagonists in favour of ecclesiastical ratification.