Dear Canadians,
The (Dutch) Reformed presence in Canada began in 1905 with the founding of the CRC in Nijverdal in southern Alberta. In 1911, that congregation became three separate congregations due to geographic distance, exacerbated by the rather beastly Canadian winters. By the end of WW II, those three congregations had been joined by 11 other congregations, to make a total of 14 CRCs in Canada. By 1963, there were over 145, attributable pretty much by the massive emigration from the Netherlands. At its height, the CRC had over 250 congregations.
Also, from 1905-the present, the (Dutch) Reformed presence in Canada became quite diverse. Currently, there are at least these groups/denominations of (Dutch) Reformed churches here:
- Canadian Reformed (69)
- Netherlands Reformed (10)
- Free Reformed (20)
- Reformed Church of America (30)
- United Reformed (45)
- Heritage Reformed (5)
All of these groups of churches evolved and exist, having been founded at the very least on their own heritage (theological and other), on their perception of God’s call on them, and on their sense of the needs and assets of the Canadian context.
All of these groups of churches are most certainly responding to what God is calling them to be and to become. Some are strongly influenced by their history, some by strong individuals, some by foreign politics, some by contextual priorities, some by a broad theology, some by a narrower one; by a whole mixture of factors. I do believe that all are progressive, since all want to progress toward the goal of living for Jesus Christ, to glorify God and enjoy him forever. We may not agree with everything they say they believe, but ultimately, we are partners in the gospel. (For that matter, there are c.47,000 other communities of churches/denominations with whom we don’t completely agree, but “dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).)
Toward Canada (TC) is unabashedly Canadian, growing from its heritage, focussing on the political, social, and spiritual context of Canada, passionately pursuing God’s will. The ways in which all the various Reformed Christian church groups (“denominations”) respond to God’s call to them in Canada, is ultimately up to them. It would, however, be wonderful to have conversations among all of them to share the love, grace, mercy, and justice of God together; to present a broadly unified message to Canada, so they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
As Toward Canada continues to grow, our nascent and growing community of churches continues to look forward to doing God’s will right here, in this country. Here in this unique place, with its unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities. Inter-cultural relations in Canada, (in)equality, economic development in Canada: these are all different here than anywhere else in the world. And these require a uniquely intentional Canadian, Christian response, from a community that will have its own governance and organizational structures, inter-church supports and connections, and partnerships.
Realizing this about the central beliefs of TC, churches across Canada have been increasingly motivated to help establish this movement. And momentum is building from coast to coast to (well, not quite the north coast yet…). Nowhere is this momentum more evident than in the upcoming June 18-21 Retreat (which I’d much rather call an Advance). Over 20 Canadian churches will officially be represented at this working weekend to further solidify what this growing organization wants to be and do, as the individual churches and the group as a whole follow the Holy Spirit. The implications of these seven inspired foundational values drafted at the (what we can now call) Founding All-Canada Summit in November in Kitchener will be finalized:
- Rooted in Scripture and the reformed tradition
- Courageous and creative mission
- Honouring local churches in covenant community
- Communities of belonging and hospitality
- Listening and discerning together
- Faithful stewardship
- Lifelong formation
These are the questions that will be wrestled with at the retreat:
- What does God want us to be and do now in Canada?
- How can we be together well, for the good of God’s kingdom?
- How can we best live as “adult congregations”?
- How can we best balance accountability and autonomy?
- What ought we call ourselves? A federation? Collective?
Across the country, folks are reading, seeing, and hearing about what the Spirit is doing in and through Toward Canada, and are making profound choices: Where and what would Jesus Christ, the Lord of the church, want us to be?
Do pray that the June retreat may be another example of grace-filled conversation and honest collaboration as we pray together: Thy Kingdom Come.
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis
