Dear folks interested in an autonomous Canadian CRC,
Synod begins in less than four weeks, on June 13. This is not a caretaker Synod. As noted in a post on our FB page, there are several substantial overtures and communications in the Agenda that require careful, thoughtful deliberation. Some revolve around more judiciously defining gravamina, some about the Covenant for Office-bearers. A key one for us is
Overture #28:
Envision Two Distinct Christian Reformed Churches:
A. Envision the CRCNA as two distinct Christian Reformed Churches, one in Canada and one in the United States.
B. Make the changes necessary for this ecclesiastical reorganization to be accomplished.
C. Task the U.S. Ministry Board and the Canadian Ministry Board with rewriting the relevant joint ministry agreements to ensure continued cooperation and collaboration among agency staff.
(see the Agenda
here, on page 395)
The idea of two distinct CRCs in North America has been around since 1957. This year, it will again have reached the floor of synod.
This desire is not about the Human Sexuality report (HSR); it is not about Mr. Trump’s 51
st state comments; it is not something anti-American, it is not knee-jerk. The desire is much richer and digs much deeper. It is a desire to be
maîtres chez nous. To establish a Canadian synod as the broadest assembly for the Canadian churches. To collaborate with the American CRCs as an equal partner. To have the Canadian Ministry Board/Council of Delegates accountable to the Canadian Synod, rather than the bi-country synod.
The reasons for this pent-up desire on the part of many congregations and many folks in Canada have been articulated on the TCRCC’s website (
here). Look particularly at the “TCRCC FOUNDATIONAL UNDERSTANDINGS” in the Resources section. There are at least
12 reasons for this separation to occur, few of which have much to do with the HSR. In fact, this separation desire is the culmination of a c.75-year journey toward autonomy.
So at some time during the synod week, there will be a conversation on the floor concerning this overture, and the passion behind it.
Since this synod is such an important one, let me ask a favour: if you happen to know one or more of the delegates, kindly have a conversation with them. Not to tell them how to vote…that flies in the face of what synods should do. But to let them know what’s at stake; to offer them the resources to read before the synodical conversation. Increased knowledge can lead to increased wisdom.
Rest assured that TCRCC has given much thought and made plans for the post-synod Canadian CRC environment.
We hope to stay in touch with you as much as possible over the next month, to keep you filled in on what’s happening. Synod 2025 will have many live and other resources available during the days (and before) of its meeting. Simple to find online: just go to
crcna.org/synod.
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis, for TCRCC
