Synod Returns CRC to Closer Fellowship with PCN
Elder Mack Randall, Classis Grand Rapids North: “Have we taken care of the problem evident when we excluded them?”
Karen Huttenga
After a lengthy debate, Synod 2014 voted 90 to 85 to move the Christian Reformed Church into ecclesiastical fellowship with the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. That is the closest level of ecumenical relationship between the CRC and other churches.
The relationship with the PCN became estranged many years ago when its stance on some issues, such as same-sex marriage, was in conflict with that of the CRC.
Rev. Joshua Van Til, Classis Columbia, expressed surprise at the recommendation, asking, “What is the hope here?”
Deputy executive director Rev. Peter Borgdorff said that the PCN had indicated its desire for this closer relationship. He explained that Synod 2008 had set the CRC’s Ecumencial and Interfaith Relations Committee in this direction
Rev. John Tenyenhuis, Classis Toronto, noted that we have varying ecumenical relations for different reasons at different levels, reminding delegates of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 expressing a desire for unity as the church’s testimony to the world. He suggested, “Now is not a time to be sectarian in a world of oppression, hatred, violence. . . . We partner with those who are concerned about justice and peace.”
Rev. Rich DeLange, Alberta North, questioned moving into closer relationship. “I don’t follow why we need to raise the level of dialogue to ecclesiastical fellowship,” he said. “[The] PCN’s theology has not changed.”
Elder Mack Randall, Classis Grand Rapids North, asked whether the PCN has taken care of the problems that resulted in a strained relationship.
Rev. Douglas Bratt, the reporter for the synod’s advisory committee on this matter, responded, “We can humbly help them with some of their discussions. They’re asking us to come alongside of them to be partners in their discussion.”
Borgdorff added, “We’re in a better position to dialogue now with the PCN regarding their issues than we were in the 90s.” He added that the CRC need not fear a closer relationship. “We’re confident enough of our own theology.”
He cautioned delegates against relying on what they may have heard or read on the Internet. “Please don’t make decisions based on such information. Judge the PCN by its written documents. It has the same creeds and confessions we do.”
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