During the last Meeting of Synod the denomination affirmed a high view of the Word of God. During the meeting the following actions were taken:

      Page 514 A motion carried that the General Synod go on record that the position of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church on Scripture is that the Bible alone, being God-breathed, is the Word of God Written, infallible in all that it teaches, and inerrant in the original manuscripts.

      Page 514 A motion carried that the position statement adopted by the 2008 Synod on the Bible be forwarded to the Committee to Revise the Form of Government, and that this statement be included in the ordination vows for Ministers and Elders at the appropriate places.

      Page 515 A motion carried that the Manual of Authorities and Duties, page 9, the definition of an evangelical, item 1, “The Bible to be the inspired, the infallible authoritative Word of God” be replaced by the position statement adopted by the 2008 General Synod on the Bible.

BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

LTC RALPH GORE 

LTC Ralph Gore has distinguished himself through meritorious service and outstanding achievement as Group Chaplain for the 172d Corps Support Group (CSG) while deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Chaplain Gore’s continuous efforts to immediately respond to various volatile issues proved integral to the soldiers of the 172d CSG emerging as a highly disciplined unit. His assistance through regular pastoral counseling to soldiers throughout the mobilization process has provided comfort and hope during a period of heightened anxiety. His initiatives have had a positive impact when rocket and mortar attacks have taken place during the tour. In addition to providing support to the service members he has provided critical ministerial and counseling support, which previously was unavailable to civilian employees following tragic events that included the fatalities of KBR drivers. Chaplain Gore independently identified the need to provide direct feedback to the Group commander thus he developed and implemented a program designed to not only to enlighten the commander but also the issues of morale and welfare amongst the troops and KBR contact drivers. In conjunction with the mission of the 172d CSG Host Nation section, Chaplain Gore convoyed on four separate occasions to the local village where the Operation Anaconda Neighborhood visits were conducted. Utilizing both military and civilian means, he has been able to procure $7,500 in school supplies for the Al Manthra School with more aid arriving daily. Additionally, he conducted a highly successful 11-week leadership workshop followed by a 14-week series on the focused on the book of Ephesians. His ability to teach, provide sermons and emphasize leadership conveys a clear message to the soldier and leadership alike. Chaplain Gore’s aggressive but cooperative measures have been evident through his mentoring and supervision of three chaplains and four chaplain’s assistants within the 172d Corps Support Group Unity Ministry Team. This measure has proven essential as his team continues to offer counseling services for over 3300 service members within 51 units around Camp Anaconda and the civilian contractors for KBR. This effort was critical to re-energize the soldiers throughout the deployment. Providing these services and support during combat operations greatly enhanced unit morale and cohesion. His relentless efforts in addressing the soldiers and civilian’s needs made a lasting impact on the lives and missions throughout the deployment and re-deployment. Additionally, Chaplain Gore maintained a daily webstie to spotlight on soldiers of he HHC, 172d which is visited by soldiers and family. LTC Gore has excelled in every manner, his unwavering dedication to soldiers, civilian contractors and Iraqi people has been a spotlight for the 172d Corps Support Group. He is highly intelligent, possesses a stimulating imagination and has continuously provided sound advice and recommendations for any problem. He is truly a representative of the highest caliber in talent and leadership. Chaplain Gore has worked throughout some of the most tragic events and provided the deepest in compassion and dynamic leadership. His overall performance sets him head and shoulders above his peers. LTC Gore’s day-to-day value is immeasurable as he worked through the incredible number of hours and days required. Night or day his performance was no less than superior.