To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.
Being Quiet
Your thoughtful article in the November 2025 Banner resonated with me (“Being Quiet in a Culture of Volume”). Especially the phrase “consider ways a person can be encouraged to grow the gifts they already have.” Gifted listeners have a crucial place in the Kingdom of God. Gifted writers as well. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Susan Van Dyk // Marion, Ill.
Remembrance Day
I just finished reading the article by Anita Brinkman, “Ontario Church Creates Community Poppy Display for Remembrance Day” (December 2025). I appreciate that the article includes the encouragement to remember our veterans. In future, would you be able to keep the following in mind regarding Canadian Remembrance Day? First, the Canadian Government considers everyone who completes Basic Training and signed up to serve to be a veteran. Second, World War II is not the last war Canadians have fought in. Soldiers who have served in Afghanistan, Korea, and other locations continue to feel that their service has been erased by fellow Canadians. Finally, when remembering veterans, remember those who returned alive, not only those who died. Remember those who returned and carry lifelong invisible injuries, and also their family members who also sacrificed.
J. Masselink // Guelph, Ont.
Finding Common Ground
I was saddened by the article about the Classis Chicago South Racial Reconciliation Committee (“Chicago South Racial Reconciliation Committee Suspends Its Work,” (October 2025). As a former longtime member of Pullman CRC, I was also saddened to see that it is in the process of disaffiliation. The CRC was born out of division and has been prone to division over the years, and I think a sense of embattled virtue is and has been a factor in every case—a sense that one’s position on an issue that is integral to one’s self-image as a good person is under attack, and is so important that little else matters. That condition causes one to fail to ask such important questions as: Is my position so unambiguously right, and the other side’s so unambiguously wrong, that there cannot be any common ground? Do the actions or failures to act on the part of the other side stem from malice or ill will, or is there a more innocent explanation? Is my position so important that if it does not carry the day I have no recourse other than to depart? The hour is late, but can we climb off the barricades and seriously ask ourselves those questions?
Alan Van Dyke // Grand Haven, Mich.
Synodical Changes
Many letters have been printed expressing dismay about Synod 2025’s change of The Banner’s mandate (“The Banner’s Mandate Curtailed,” July/August 2025). As a new Christian Reformed Church member after membership in a pluralistic denomination where relativism and tolerance were the dominant values, I welcome the change of focus. I want to see how the historic Reformed faith based on Scripture and the three forms of unity respond prophetically to the issues of our day. Jude 3 says to “contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.” This faith addresses the needs of all people in all places for all time.
Al Jackson // Kalamazoo, Mich.
God is omniscient. Who is wiser that he should know better? I want to understand God better, not study lesser minds. I support synod.
George Meier // Kalamazoo, Mich.
I was very sad to read of Synod 2025's decision to change The Banner's mandate. I have greatly appreciated the various points of view in different articles over the years. In fact, we have used different articles in our small group, as well as at an occasional adult education time in our church, to stimulate deeper discussion about our faith and our beliefs. I have also valued reading Shiao Chong's editorials and will miss his thoughtful and faithful reflections on issues facing all of us. I am sorrowful at his departure.
Sandra Spee // Olympia, Wash.