Page:Dutch Reformed Churches Union Act 1911.djvu/14

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Act No. 23 of 1911.

provide for the creation and constitution of Provincial Synods within such territorial limits, for such purposes, with such composition, constitution and powers, and subject to such regulations and restrictions as may be declared delegated and fixed by the said Synod, or Assembly duly assembled at any time and duly acting in accordance with its laws, rules or regulations.

Power of united church to extend beyond limits of Union—representatives of congregations beyond such limits.

8. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other existing law, the united church shall not be deemed to be confined to the limits of the Union of South Africa, but may by laws, rules, or regulations lawfully made from time to time extend beyond the said limits, and incorporate or include congregations without the said limits conforming to its doctrines and confessions, and may for securing and controlling such extension by such laws, rules or regulations provide for the admission to any of its duly constituted Assemblies of representatives of congregations worshipping beyond the said limits and conforming as aforesaid, provided that every congregation so represented, and every member or representative thereof, shall in all respects in like manner be amenable and conform to and abide by the constitution, laws, rules and regulations of the said church as though such congregation were worshipping within the same limits.

Status of certain coloured members declared.

9. No coloured person, being a member of the Dutch Reformed Church of the Colony or Province of the Cape of Good Hope, shall be entitled, by reason of such membership or of the passing of this Act or of the union brought about thereby, to claim membership of the united church in the event of his finding himself, or of his being or becoming resident, in any of the adjacent Provinces and so long as he shall remain without the boundaries of the Province of the Cape of Good Hope; but his status as regards such membership in the adjacent Provinces shall be the same as, and be regulated and determined by, the status of coloured persons as regards such membership in such of the other Provinces within the Union as he shall find himself or be or become resident in:

Provided that for the purposes of this section the “Provinces” shall be taken to be coterminous with the “Colonies” severally constituting the Union as initially provided.

Power of Synod to alter or improve rules, etc.

10. It shall be lawful for the Synod or General Assembly of the said united church from time to time duly assembled and lawfully acting in accordance with its laws, rules or