To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.
Books About Gaza
Regarding the reviews of two books of the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza (Daughters of Palestine, online): in 1972 through 2019, I worked as an archaeologist in and out of the West Bank, and since I was excavating at Philistine sites, I have been in the Gaza Strip several times to examine the biblical site of Gaza. In addition, in the mid-1980s and into the ’90s we were able to use Gaza workers for the day, until the Israelis closed the gates for them to cross back home. Over the decades, I have watched the Palestinian Christian churches in Gaza and West Bank close into empty shells. What would Jesus want us to do?
Neal Bierling // Ada, Mich.
Elder Service
I have thoughts in regards to “Recruiting Elders: Why Won’t They Stand?” (online, April 17). Having been an elder and deacon in the CRC, I have gone through the recruitment process many times and am very familiar with the reasons people decline the invitation to serve. I wonder how much Synod's decisions regarding homosexuality over the past several years are accelerating the decline. I certainly could not serve any longer.
Harry van der Meer // Gouldsboro, Penn.
Dignity Team
Synod’s dismissal of the Dignity Team is another proof that we as a denomination do not want to do all we can to support and hear the voices of those abused by the CRC leadership. The current avenues to report abuse often do not work because they are “pastor protected.” I am not convinced that anyone on the advisory committee knows firsthand what abuse in the CRC looks like or have experienced it themselves, because if they had, they would have not directed synod to dismiss the Dignity Team. Repeatedly, for many years, I have seen advisory committees at synods, who are assigned to present abuse of power issues, fail in standing up for victims. This time, it also means the delegates who voted to dismiss the Dignity Team, failed our brothers and sisters at the convenience of saying, “We have enough services for victims. We need to end this one.”
Judy De Wit // Sioux Falls, S.D.
Marriage
Rev. Dave Beelen's feature article in The Banner was very problematic in terms of biblical exegesis, theological assertions, logical development, and pastoral sensitivity (“A 3D Look at Human Sexuality,” May/June 2026). Moreover, while it presumed to convey and affirm the recently declared synodical position on matters of human sexuality, it did not. Particularly striking was its pastoral advice to both church leaders and to those in our Christian Reformed congregations who are not heterosexual in their self-understandings. The assertions made, in this regard, were in line with a number of painstakingly developed elements of intentional pastoral care expressed in the Human Sexuality Report.
Wayne Brouwer // Holland, Mich.
2026 So Far
I congratulate you on your January-February issue. I thought it sent a very positive message about the future of the CRC. I appreciated: 1. The emphasis on mission in your editorial, with your question "What is a banner?" To be led to Jesus was uplifting. 2. The bracing report on the church-planting conference in Florida. 3. The column by Mary Vanden Berg on our confessions. 4. The story about what's happening in ordinary churches. 5. The online piece by Herbert Schreur. The emphasis on repentance and the items needing repentance were to the point and do call for serious discussion! I believe these are the kinds of articles that the majority of CRC people have longed for in The Banner but have not often seen in recent years.
Vance Hays // Portland, Ore.
Rather than “quietly quitting,” I will share why I decided to no longer financially support The Banner. I had looked forward to each new Banner for its insightful, interesting, and sometimes challenging articles, and would tell people that they should read it as it doesn’t just tell them what they want to hear. Unfortunately that is no longer the case, which is disappointing to me personally, but also disappointing because it's following the wider culture of siloed thinking and refusing to see that issues are not black or white. For a time, The Banner was a place of nuanced, grace-filled Christian thought that didn’t just make us feel more comfortable with what we had already decided to believe.
Bev Harkema // Hudsonville, Mich.
I have never sent a note to The Banner before, but I need to say how much I appreciate the new editor Lora Copley! It has been so refreshing to me that the Banner's editorial section focuses on my heart and relationship with Jesus instead of feeling slightly complaining about our denomination. I also appreciate the new direction the Banner has taken. I know there have been letters lamenting the changes but many of us feel the Banner now matches the teachings our church taught when we made our professions of faith.
Janice VerMerris // Dorr, Mich.
I respected Shiao Chong’s thoughtful and “unbiased” efforts to present both sides of polarizing topics from a neutral position, presumably with his desire to foster sensitivity and understanding. However, if an organization is not neutral but a spokesperson for it remains neutral, might that allow readers to become confused and possibly “blown by the wind”? Could neglecting to include the biblical truths that founded denominational positions be missed opportunities to provide context and guidance to the reader? Said or unsaid, leaders are leading, and teaching should be proactive. As a CRC member, I expect constant and consistent guidance reinforcing the denomination’s biblical interpretations and theological perspectives whenever possible.
Glen Joldersma // Goshen, Ind.
