CRC Pastor Named to Executive Group

Rev. William Koopmans, a former president of the Christian Reformed Church in North America synod, has been named as an advisor to the executive committee of the newly formed World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).

Koopmans is pastor of Grace CRC in Chatham, Ontario.

"I am honored and privileged to be named a North American advisor on the executive committee of the newly formed World Communion of Reformed Churches. I also view this as an affirmation from the WCRC regarding the leadership roles that have been contributed by the CRCNA and other former REC members," says Koopmans.

Koopmans was appointed as one of three advisors to the 22-member executive committee, which will help set policy and direction for the worldwide ecumenical organization over the next seven years until the WCRC meets again for a worldwide meeting.

The CRC was heavily involved in the history of the Reformed Ecumenical Council. The dual membership of the CRC in both the REC and WARC for the last 8 years was a major factor in bringing those two organizations together into one new body, the WCRC, says Koopmans.

“The CRC also played a central role in the hosting of that event in Grand Rapids. CRC members such as Richard Van Houten and Peter Borgdorff have been instrumental in that leadership, but we could list countless others who have made very significant contributions …

In particular, he says, "our strong theological heritage as expressed previously in REC will continue to have influence. As one denomination among 230 other denominations of Reformed background, representing 108 countries, we have an opportunity to have a significant voice in how we will cooperate together globally."

Borgdorff, as the former president of the REC, is also a member of the executive committee for WCRC.Koopmans, he said, was appointed to help balance the number of representatives from various regions of the world."

Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, president of WARC is also on the committee.

"William will be a worthwhile addition to the committee," said Borgdorff, executive director emeritus of the CRC. "He will not represent the CRC," said Borgdorff. "All members represent the WCRC between council meetings” (such as the one that just occurred in Grand Rapids. They are held every few years.)

Although Koopmans will not have a vote on matters that come before the committee, that is not essential, since the WCRC is body that seeks consensus on issues without voting issues up or down.

"If you are there and have the floor, that is what is important," said Borgdorff.

Koopmans served as a delegate from the CRC to the Uniting General Council, at which the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) merged into the WCRC, which represents 230 denominations and more than 80 million Reformed Christians around the world.

During the meeting that created the WCRC on the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Koopmans said in a report he gave on Reformed Identity what the new ecumenical organization meant.

"As the World Council of Reformed Churches, we have much to learn as we seek out our Reformed identity, theology and communion," he said. "Yet, we face the future in the confidence that the Holy Spirit has been sent to equip and lead the Church."

A final message released at the end of the Uniting General Council gave a sense of the direction the WCRC hopes to take.

Called to communion, and committed to justice: We pray for those living in divided communities and who long for reconciliation: for those whose voices go unheard, whose gifts are not valued, whose humanity is not respected; those subject to humiliation and violence; those under persecution and violence.

"We pray for the earth, the water and air as they suffer from human exploitation of natural resources …"