Media Information

Synod 2011 of the Christian Reformed Church

Dates: June 10-16, 2011
Location: Van Noord Arena at Calvin College

Contact Information

Please direct your inquiries to Henry Hess, synod news officer.

Before and after synod:
Phone:  905-336-2920 or toll-free: 800-730-3490
Fax:  905-336-8344
E-mail: hhess@crcna.org

During synod:
Phone: 616-526-8656 (Synod newsroom)
E-mail: hhess@crcna.org

Getting News

• The main Synod website is www.crcna.org/Synod
• Synod news is posted to the synod website throughout the day. There you'll also find instructions for receiving each post by email.
• You may also watch the live webcast and view on-demand recordings of prior webcasts.
• A tentative schedule is drawn up before synod, but it will change once the deliberations begin. The website and news updates will often list what's coming up next. Or call the synod news office if you have further questions.
• Please call the Synod News Office to arrange interviews, receive current information on synod's actions or obtain background to decisions.
• Reporters, photographers, camera people, etc. are asked to check in with the news office before visiting synod sessions.
• The News Office is located in Room VA #210 (news room). It will be open between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. while synod is in session.

Regulations for audio and video recording of synod

The following regulations were adopted by Synod 1989 concerning audio and video recordings of synodical sessions by media representatives and visitors:

Representatives of the media are permitted to make video recordings of synodical proceedings provided they observe the restrictions placed upon them by the synodical news office under the direction of the general secretary of synod.

Visitors are at liberty to make audio recordings of the public proceed¬ings of synod provided they do so unobtrusively (i.e., in no way inhibiting or disturbing either the proceedings of synod, the synodical delegates, or other persons).

Video recordings are permitted provided the following restrictions are observed:
1. Video cameras are permitted only at the entrances, not backstage or in the wings
2. Auxiliary lighting is not permitted.
3. Videotaping is to be done unobtrusively (i.e., in such a way that it in no way inhibits or disturbs either the proceedings of synod, the synodical delegates, or other persons).

(from the Acts of Synod 1989)

Background 

Synod, which meets annually, is the broadest decision-making body of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), a Protestant denomination with about 275,000 members in 1,000 congregations in the United States and Canada. 

Congregations are grouped regionally into 47 divisions known as classes. Each classis sends four delegates to synod – two ministers and two elders – for a total of 188 delegates.

For more information and resources, click here.