Newly appointed professor of systematic theology Jessica Joustra isn’t afraid of theological wrestling “because I have confidence in what we teach.”
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Stories from people, congregations and ministries of the CRCNA, reported by The Banner's news editor and a team of regular correspondents and Church Worldwide news from the Religion News Service. Send news tips to news@thebanner.org.
Synod 2025 received the presentation of 19 candidates for ministry with a joyful service.
Jared Michelson, newly appointed professor of systematic theology, says all pastors are public theologians.
Synod 2025 unanimously voted to approve the recommendations of the Assisted Suicide Task Force, mandated by Synod 2023, and commend their report.
Synod 2025 instructed the Office of General Secretary, with the Council of Delegates task force, to review governance costs and to engage with the needs of classes affected by disaffiliations.
No agenda, no rule book, just building Christian relations is the aim of Global Christian Forum.
The CRC has recognized the Belhar Confession as a contemporary testimony since 2017, but it hasn’t been in the Covenant for Officebearers, and that won’t change.
Synod 2025, in receiving a report from Calvin University on changes to the school’s approach to confessional subscription for its faculty and trustees, asks for clarification on one point.
Synod 2025 agreed with a request to instruct churches and classes to provide financially for the spiritual care of pastors’ spouses.
Moses Jawara, president of the Christian Reformed Church of Sierra Leone, thanked the CRC for its support, especially through Resonate Global Mission.
Peter Sinia told Synod 2025 that the Reformed Church in The Netherlands bridged differences and did the tough work of reconciliation.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is at work on many legal issues, including human trafficking and medical assistance in dying—an issue also on the Synod 2025 agenda.
Eddy Alemán told delegates the RCA is committed to living together in disagreement, in the messy middle.
Synod 2025 recognized the 150th anniversary of Kelloggsville CRC and encouraged commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
Rev. Gerben Meijer brought greetings from the Reformed Church in South Africa.
Synod 2025 told Classis Toronto it was wrong to seat delegates from churches under limited suspension but declined suggested remedies.
Synod 2025 chose not to speak on prohibiting concealed handguns at ecclesiastical assemblies, regardless of local laws.
Without discussion, Synod 2025 accepted several recommendations related to matters of the Council of Delegates, the ecclesiastical board of the Christian Reformed Church.
Gathered in the auditorium of Redeemer University, Synod 2025 shared communion and was led in worship by First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham, Ont.
Synod hears each year from the chair of the Council of Delegates. Vice-chair Greta Luimes, who is also chair of the Canada Ministry Board, shared this year as well.
In a wide-ranging address noting various parts of the Christian Reformed Church, general secretary Zachary King looked at themes of rebuilding and renewal.
Elaine May, project manager for Gather, shared with Synod 2025 some of what the church learned and experienced through the 10 events and looked at principles for next steps.
World Renew director Carol Bremer-Bennet encouraged the 18 women delegates to the Christian Reformed Church synod: “you are not alone.”
Michael Winnowski, a retired pastor, former synodical deputy, campus chaplain, specialized transitional minister, and newly trained spiritual director is serving as Synod 2025’s parliamentary adviser.