Dear Canadians,
The denominational pamphlet “
What it Means to be Reformed” (linked below) talks about three major minds within the denomination: the Doctrinalist mind, the Pietist mind, and the Transformationalist mind. These three minds/strands have been appreciated for the diversity they create within the CRC. People with a focus on a different strand bring a distinctive range of questions and concerns to the church at large. These different perspectives encourage people to consider issues from different angles and to explain their views to one another. Recent Synods could be described as ones in which those who emphasize the Doctrinal strand have moved to push aside the other strands. The danger is that instead of retaining three flourishing strands, the CRC becomes a single fragile thread.
Since the 1950s, the Canadian CRC has added the "Transformationalist" perspective to the North American CRC, which in short is: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” (
Abraham Kuyper). Hence, the Canadian CRC has long worked for justice in all areas of life. God calls us as a
church to impact Canada and the world. Synod's 75/25 American/Canadian voting, and the increased emphasis on the Doctrinal strand virtually disallows the continuation of the former perspective into the future of the CRC. Bringing the three back into a more wholesome, righteous balance would allow each strand to learn from and teach the other, and the kingdom of God to flourish. An autonomous Canadian CRC would enable this continuity.
Another theological/cultural difference exists, which is demonstrated in the makeup of our church councils: in Canada women are seated at all Classes. Four US Classes do not permit women to be delegates. 87% of Canadian churches have women deacons, compared to 68% in the US; 72% of Canadian churches have women elders, compared to 44% in the US. All voices matter in our churches and there is a greater acceptance of diversity in the Canadian CRC context.
Thank you all for your support,
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis, for TCRCC
“What it Means to be Reformed”
Read it yourself here:
What It Means to Be Reformed Booklet (English) | CRC Network
(Available to download in English, Korean, Spanish and Chinese, but not in Canada’s second official language of French.)
