Kitchener Summit 2025 Info Sessions

A Change in Direction, not Purpose

So that’s it, maybe. We recognize what the delegates at Synod 2025 have decided: not to accede to Overture 28 (which would have separated the CRCNA into a Canadian and an American CRC). The vote was 171-3, with one abstention. This means that most of the Canadian delegates voted against the Overture, as well as the American ones. We’ll not talk about those churches which were unable to send delegates, or those classes which were unable to vote delegates they may have wanted but couldn’t because they are no longer there. We could slice and dice the result, but the vote is obvious: 171-3. And one abstention. And yet: Canadian CRCs are continuing to move toward disaffiliation, through the rigid discernment process; congregations and councils continue to look for something other than what’s here right now; continue to reach for more expansive love and grace in their networks. The Christian Courier survey numbers from earlier this year suggest there’s something else happening other than a desire for status quo: 1,199 respondents (3.14% of Canadian CRC members) were asked about their interest in a Canadian CRC: 56% said yes, 25% said no, and 19% were not sure. And this interest is not based solely on the Human Sexuality Report. There’s more, much more. Engaging thoroughly with Canadian culture; fear of continued synodical over-reach. Congregations and councils are asking: “Now what? Is there a place or a network that we can join or create that allows us to be a ‘Biblically-rooted, theologically curious, culturally engaged and missionally creative’ federation or collaboration? We don’t really want to move AWAY from something; we want to move TOWARD something.” And that something is being planned as we speak: The Kitchener Summit, November 5-9. A place and time to dream, to respond to the nudgings of the Spirit; to hear each other’s voices; to develop new ways of collaboration; to truly consider Canadian concerns and to learn again how to live together well.   First things first: next week (July 10 and then again, July 12), TCRCC will host two (repeated) Zoom calls to give such information as we have about the Summit; to answer questions, and to learn what you hope to achieve in our time together in November. These Zoom meetings will be hosted: Thursday, July 10 (10pm ADT, 9pm EDT 8pm CDT, 7pm MDT, 6pm PDT) Saturday, July 12 (1pm ADT, 12pm EDT, 11am CDT, 10am MDT, 9am PDT) We are asking that participants register ahead of time, and we will send the Zoom information to you directly. You can register via this link (now closed).   We are moving ahead, in response to what we are hearing from churches, councils and members. We pray that what we hear, is from the heart of God. Join us on July 10 or 12. Join us in November. There’s a new day. It’s time.   Resources July 2025 Information Meeting Powerpoint Recording (now available!)