Synod Roundup – Tuesday morning

The issue that featured most prominently at synod on Tuesday morning was changing the name of Christian Reformed World Relief Committee to World Renew. After vigorous discussion pro and con, delegates voted to allow the change.

Delegates also engaged in a debate about whether to commend the work of the Office of Social Justice and Hunger Action or simply recognize it. Some delegates said they are unhappy with some of the positions OSJ takes on political issues, such as the recent federal budget in the U.S. In the end, synod voted 95-75 to commend the work.

Synod also commended the work of other specialized ministries, including Disability Concerns, Chaplaincy and Care, the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue (Canada), and Safe Church. Delegates were reminded, as they are every year, that every church needs a functioning and enforced safe church policy.

Delegates heard from Rev. Kurt Selles, the new director of Back to God Ministries International, and thanked interim director Rev. Jimmy Lin, as well as the staff of the media ministry who carried on so ably after the death last year of director Rev. Robert Heerspink.

Synod ended the morning with fraternal delegates bringing greetings from sister Reformed denominations.

This afternoon, synod will receive the candidates for the Ministry of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church (approx 2:30pm), and view a presentation by Calvin Theological Seminary (approx. 3:30pm).

Tonight at 7 p.m. will be the discussion of the Belhar Confession.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2012, including a live webcast, visit www.crcna.org/Synod.