Synod Receives Interim Report on Religious Persecution and Liberty

Synod 2015 received a preliminary report from the committee appointed to study religious persecution and liberty. The committee’s final report will go to Synod 2016.

Rev. Joel Zuidema of Class Illiana commended the report for its depth of analysis and its rootedness in the Bible, but suggested that the report’s language is “over many of our heads.”  He said “it needs to be readable and to inspire us to action” and he urged the writers of the report to tell more stories.

These remarks appeared to resonate with some delegates. Rev. Paul Vander Klay, Classis Central California, said that the questions about religious persecution and liberty are “at the nexus of a lot of hot button issues.”

Rev. Scott Elgersma, Classis California South, said there are issues for religious liberty not only in places like Egypt but in a different way in North American contexts. 

In the end, synod observed that “this report will shape Christian and non-Christian thought on perhaps one of the most important topics of our time. Much more than an academic work, this report will need to influence with heart, passion, practicality, and clarity to motivate the church.”

For continuous coverage of Synod 2015 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.