The Christian Reformed Church in North America has particularly close relationships with some confessionally Reformed denominations. Designated “churches in ecclesiastical fellowship,” these churches work with the CRCNA in selected joint ventures, exchange delegates at synod, welcome each other’s members at the Lord’s Supper and each other’s pastors into the pulpit, and generally encourage each other in ministry and faithfulness.
These are the churches in ecclesiastical fellowship with the CRCNA:
Africa
Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria
Nigeria
Church of Christ in the Sudan Among the Tiv
Nigeria
Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa
South Africa
Reformed Church in Africa
South Africa
Reformed Churches in South Africa
Midlands Synod
South Africa
Reformed Churches in South Africa
Potchefstroom Synod
South Africa
Reformed Churches in South Africa
Soutpansberg Synod
South Africa
Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
South Africa
Asia, Australia, Indonesia
Christian Reformed Church in the Philippines
The Philippines
Christian Church of Sumba
Indonesia
Christian Reformed Churches of Australia
Australia
Dutch Reformed Church in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Reformed Church in Japan
Japan
Europe
Netherlands Reformed Churches
The Netherlands
Latin America
Christian Reformed Church in Cuba
Cuba
North America
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
United States
Evangelical Presbyterian Church
United States
Reformed Church in America
United States
South America
Evangelical Reformed Church in Brazil
Brazil
Reformed Church in Argentina
Argentina
The CRCNA also enjoys fellowship with other parts of the broader Body of Christ. Some “Churches in dialogue” have been formally recognized by Synod. These churches are:
- Christian Reformed Church in Eastern Africa (Uganda)
- Christian Reformed Church of Myanmar
- Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (Nkhoma Synod) Malawi
- Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar
- Evangelical Reformed Church of Burundi
- Reformed Church in Zambia
- Reformed Church of East Africa (Kenya)
- Protestant Church in the Netherlands
Other denominations are in a less formal relationship in which the CRCNA maintains contact, exchanges communications, and engages in conversation. Examples of such churches are the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Mennonite Church Canada.
The Christian Reformed Church in North America belongs to a number of ecumenical (multilateral) organizations. Ecumenical organizations are bodies which include a number of Christian denominations or ministries. Some are world-wide, and others are specific to Canada or the United States.
World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC)
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) are uniting to form this new body representing more than 80 million Reformed Christians worldwide. The historic Uniting General Council that launches this new Reformed organization will be held June 18-28, 2010 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC)
The Reformed Ecumenical Council is a council of Reformed and Presbyterian denominations from around the world. It has 39 members in 25 countries. REC is served by a secretariat based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC)
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) is a fellowship of 75 million Reformed Christians in 214 churches in 107 countries. Its member churches are Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed and United churches with roots in the 16th-century Reformation led by John Calvin, John Knox and others. WARC has a small secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.
Caribbean and North America Area Council (CANAAC)
The Caribbean and North American Area Council (CANAAC) is the regional expression of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) in the region of the Caribbean, USA and Canada, with 20 member denominations.
Canadian Council of Churches (CCC)
The Canadian Council of Churches is the largest ecumenical body in Canada, now representing 20 churches of Anglican, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions. The CCC is one of the few ecumenical bodies in the world that includes such a range of Christian churches. The officers and staff of the Council are drawn from the whole diversity of traditions represented by the member churches.
The Canadian Council of Churches was founded in 1944. Member churches believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour, according to the Scriptures. Members seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The CCC provides excellent resources for local churches; e.g. the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (celebrated each January 18 – 25), the 2006 International HIV/AIDS Conference, and the Biotechnology Reference Group.
Christian Reformed members serving in various ways with the CCC:
- Board of Governors: Rev. Bruce Adema and Rev. Peter Slofstra
- Executive Committee: Mike Hogeterp (Chair, Commission on Justice and Peace), Doreen Hoogvliets (Chair, Personnel Committee)
- Commission on Justice and Peace - Michael Hogeterp and Kathy Vandergrift
- Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network – Steve Kabetu
- Ecumenical Health Care Network – vacant
- Christian Host Committee for the 2006 International AIDS Conference – Karen Bokma
- Commission of Faith and Witness – Dr. Ronald Kuipers
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart
- Muslim-Christian Liaison Committee – Dr. James Payton
- Canadian Christian-Jewish Consultation – vacant
- National Advisory Group on Emergency Planning – Rev. Herman Keizer, Jr.
- Biotechnology Reference Group – Dr. James Rusthoven
- NIDUS 2006 Youth Festival – Douglas Romanow
Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC)
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) is the national association of evangelical Christians in Canada. It gathers Christians together to dialogue, to equip and to partner for greater effectiveness in ministry and public witness. Since 1964 the EFC has provided a national forum for evangelicals and a constructive voice for biblical principles in life and society.
The EFC affiliates include evangelical congregations, denominations, educational institutions and ministry organizations. The EFC also has more than 15,000 supporting individuals.
The EFC provides excellent resources for local churches; e.g. upholding marriage initiatives and supporting the persecuted church. Website: www.evangelicalfellowship.ca.
Christian Reformed members serving in various ways with the EFC:
- EFC Board of Directors – Mr. Charles De Jager
- Heads of Denominations Meetings - Rev. Bruce Adema
- Clergy Care Network - Rev. Al Dreise
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Although the relationship with KAIROS is not shepherded by the Interchurch Relations Committee (it is overseen by the Canadian Ministries office), this is a key ecumenical relationship for the CRCNA. KAIROS unites churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to "do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). KAIROS deliberates on issues of common concern, advocates for social change and joins with people of faith and goodwill in action for social transformation. Website: www.kairoscanada.org.
KAIROS provides excellent resources for local churches e.g. Water: Life before Profit!
Christian Reformed members serving in various ways with KAIROS:
- Board and Executive Committee – Rev. Jim Dekker
- Aboriginal Rights Program Committee – Harold Roscher
- Canadian Social Development Program Committee – Mike Hogeterp
- International Human Rights and Peacebuilding Program Committee – Rick DeGraaf
- Ecological Justice Program Committee – Janet Wesselius
- Animation, Communication and Education Program Committee – Karen Bokma
- Global Economic Justice Program Committee – Moses Moini
Micah Challenge Canada
Steering Committee – Mike Hogeterp
Church Council on Justice and Corrections
Board - Rev. John De Vries
The Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy
Representative - Rev. Herm Keizer
National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)
The mission of the National Association of Evangelicals is to extend the kingdom of God through a fellowship of member denominations, churches, organizations, and individuals, demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ by standing for biblical truth, speaking with a representative voice, and serving the evangelical community through united action, cooperative ministry, and strategic planning.
Christian Churches Together (CCT)
Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT) is a new forum growing out of a deeply felt need to broaden and expand fellowship, unity, and witness among the diverse expressions of Christian faith today. CCT is inclusive of the diversity of Christian families in the United States — Evangelical, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Pentecostals, historic Protestant, Racial and Ethnic churches.
