Name Change Update
May 14, 2012
In the last month, we’ve passed some significant milestones in the process around changing CRWRC's name. During the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) Board of Trustees meeting, there was a majority vote to endorse the name change of CRWRC to World Renew. After some hearty discussion around the need to be clearly identified as Christian, connected to the Christian Reformed denonimation, and implementing a careful transition strategy to ensure high levels of continued support, the Board of Delegates for CRWRC Canada and CRWRC USA also approved the name change.
As a next step in the process, the proposal to change CRWRC's name will be presented to the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church for endorsement.
Please pray for CRWRC and for Synod delegates as we embark upon the final stage of approval.
March 2, 2012
Dear Friends,
On February 24, 2012 the executive component of CRWRC's bi-national Board, known as the Joint Ministry Council (JMC), met in Burlington, Ontario for their semi-annual meeting. Among other agenda items, the JMC had a significant conversation about whether to change the name of CRWRC as the organization passes its 50 year milestone and looks to the future.
After reviewing feedback gathered from various stakeholder groups, asking thoughtful questions, and spending time in prayer, the JMC voted unanimously to change the name from CRWRC to: World Renew.
They also selected a new tagline to accompany the name: Living Justice • Loving Mercy • Serving Christ
Later in the day, CRWRC Board chairpersons from the US and Canada, along with co-directors Ida Kaastra Mutoigo and Andrew Ryskamp, presented the new name to the Board of Trustees that governs the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA).
That body also reviewed the tagline along with a rendering of the new logo. After a good discussion, the CRCNA Board of Trustees felt that they needed more time to consider the decision. They deferred making a decision until its May meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As a next step, the new name will be presented to the full CRWRC Board of Delegates for their approval in May. It will then go back to the CRCNA Board of Trustees. If approval is obtained, the new name will be presented to Synod 2012 for affirmation.
In the meantime, we are pleased to present the name as we envision it being used in the future.
Please join us in prayer for several requests with regard to CRWRC’s name change process:
- Wisdom and discernment for the CRWRC Board of Delegates, the CRCNA-BOT, and Synod 2012.
- If approval is received, pray for God’s guidance in planning and implementing the transition process.
- Effective communication with CRWRC constituents, partners, and friends--to address questions and concerns about the change and to ensure everyone understands that the organization will continue its work unchanged under a new name, just as it did as CRWRC.
Thank you! CRWRC is deeply grateful for the interest, care, concern and support demonstrated during this time.
 Andrew Ryskamp Director, CRWRC-US |
 Ida Kaastra Mutoigo Director, CRWRC-Canada |
On behalf of the Name Change Taskforce: Andrew Ryskamp, Ida Kaastra Mutoigo, Thomas McWhertor, Bob Laarman, Rebecca Combs, Christina de Jong, Kristen deRoo Vanderberg, Renee Scobel, Wayne de Jong, and Bill Adams
For background information about CRWRC's name change exploration, visit www.crwrc.org/name.