To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.
A Master Weaver
We were so moved to see this recent article honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Julia Jumbo (1928–2007)—a master weaver from Toadlena, N.M., and recipient of one of Southwestern Association for Indian Arts’ prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards (“The Remarkable Life and Art of Julia Jumbo,” May 2025). A true matriarch and resilient force, Julia’s work transcended technique. Weaving at 120 threads per inch and creating her own loom as a child, she forged a path defined by beauty, strength, and quiet brilliance. Her weavings—often framed with her signature rosettes—are enduring testaments to both artistic mastery and cultural memory. We’re honored to count Julia among the many iconic Native artists who make Santa Fe Indian Market what it is. Thank you to The Banner and writer Ron Polinder for this thoughtful tribute to her life and legacy.
Jamie Schulze and the Santa Fe (N.M.) Indian Market
Hospitality
The article “Fostering Hearts of Hospitality” (July/August 2025) says that hospitality plays a diminished role in our personal and congregational lives at present. It is not a diminished role, it is a big problem. As Christians, we should be missionaries in our church, greeting and meeting new people. After the service, look for them and tell them about where coffee is served (if the church has it). Introduce them to others and invite them to come again. A lot of people looking for a church come in and leave without anyone talking to them, and never come again because they are looking for but not finding a welcoming church.
Tena Wattez // Caledonia, Mich.
My Opa
Thank you, Frank DeVries, for your deeply moving article “My Opa” (The Banner, September 2025). All of us journey through life with regrets for things we did or did not do. But none of us, as your article testifies and confirms, need to stumble onward burdened by oppressive feelings of guilt. The Lord can indeed do anything. God forgives, as we forgive others and forgive ourselves. We can leave the past behind us and move on as forgiven sinners. Your article offers compelling reassurance.
John Van Dyk // Marion, Ill.
Banner Changes
I read with deep regret the farewell of Shiao Chong in the July/August issue. This was the first article I read, followed by the letters to the editor. The thing I enjoyed most about The Banner was the wide range of opinions that opened my eyes to other people’s ideas whether they agreed with me or not. Seeing something from a fresh perspective was illuminating and insightful and certainly not threatening in the least. I read the article “The Banner’s Responsibilities Curtailed” and was shocked by what I read. I support Shiao Chong 100% and concur with his decision. He is a true Christian who, like Jesus, can listen and accept a person’s difference of opinion without ostracizing them. He humbly accepts he might not always be right. I would encourage synod to read his editorials.
Susan Rafacz // Crown Point, Ind.
I was profoundly disappointed, even grieved, to read about Rev. Shiao Chong’s decision to resign as editor based on synod’s decision to limit The Banner’s contents to “a distinctly Reformed perspective” (July-August 2025). It is ironic that in the introduction of two new seminary professors in the same issue, Jessica Joustra noted, “I don’t think we have to be afraid of wrestling, because I have confidence in what we teach.” Apparently that confidence doesn’t extend to the majority of the synod membership. For the first time in my life, I am embarrassed about a synod decision, particularly as it occurs at a time of anti-intellectual sentiments and divisiveness within culture—church and secular society alike. Like Joustra’s position indicates and Chong has exemplified across his tenure, we need to both courageously declare our Reformed position and entertain, understand, even debate other perspectives as we mingle in what (I paraphrase) C.S. Lewis calls the great hall of Christianity with many doors opening to the various denominations. Sadly The Banner is shrinking back from this Christ-ordained important work.
Michael B. Lubbers, Ph.D. // Prairie Village, Kans.
As a journalist, I am appalled when my government takes steps to control the dissemination of reports on national issues. I want that freedom of choice. As a reader, I am appalled when a conservative movement takes steps to control which books I may read. I want that freedom of choice. As a member of the CRC, I am appalled when the synod of my denomination hands down a new mandate stating that its official publication, The Banner, will no longer publish “diverse positions” but only material approved by the denomination. I want that choice. I join with editor Shiao Chong. It’s time to abandon this publication. I’ll find other Christian periodicals whose healthy and robust discussion on important spiritual matters will help me in shaping my own opinions.
Doug Tjapkes // Spring Lake, Mich.
To the 131 Synod 2025 members who voted for The Banner to no longer provide diverse positions on issues: Like many CRC members, I have received The Banner for years. For the last many years I have eagerly read the editor’s page and the various articles representing various positions on polarizing issues. What a breath of fresh air. Regardless of my own stance, I valued the critical thinking that those voices encouraged. For a “distinctly Reformed perspective in line with the confessions and synodical decisions, representing the CRCNA” I need only to attend my local CRC. Lack of diverse thinking and insecurity, or maybe just indifference, on complex topics is one of the major reasons we, too, are “resigning” from CRC and looking for a new faith institution.
Robin Koldenhoven // Durango, Colo.
Our last Banner editor stated that his editorial mission statement was to be “in the middle of the discussion.” In this analogy, The Banner is a church bus that I feel has been in the left lane far too long with the window shades up. We want the Banner bus to actually do what they say they want to do: be in the middle of the road. The Banner community will follow the Banner magazine when the bus moves back to the center lane, rolls down its window shades and spends a lot more time visiting, talking, and discussing the concerns of the entire CRC community that lives outside of the Banner bus.
Jake Buurma // San Jose, Calif.
