Roman Catholic churches and the CRC recognize each other’s baptisms, agree on a common certificate.

2011 Multiethnic Conference struggles with how to move forward with racial reconciliation.

Dress code humor at Synod 2011

Canadian Member of Parliament couriers flag to Synod 2011.

No move to make continuing education mandatory yet.

Faith Formation committee provides new guide for parents, teachers, and church leaders.

Synod 2011 approved formal relationships with Reformed churches in both countries.

Synod 2011 expressed appreciation for the work of Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson.

Church will wait for Calvin College report on academic freedom.

Synod 2011 sets a goal that 25 percent of top leadership positions be filled by persons of ethnic-minority backgrounds.

Committee asked to spend one more year shepherding the church in faith formation practices.

Rev. Bruce Adema and his son Seth both came to synod.

Rick Plantinga drummed some law and order into delegates.

Messages came from Nigeria, the Netherlands, and the RCA.

No permission to hold more meetings where not all churches are represented.

Synod 2011 recognizes the service of Ben Vandezande.

Synod 2011 asks churches to refrain from rituals of infant or child dedication.

Synod 2011 decides to keep Church Order article 23 as is.

Confessions to be printed in separate volume.

Synod 2011 declined to impose specific timetables.

Synod 2011 says it’s not a good time to consider promoting its status.

Allocation among ministries will change.

“We come together to discuss and deliberate all together, not in our separate classes.”

Synod 2011 decided reports adopted in 1973 and 2002 are sufficient.

Synod 2011 not ready to adopt a document six years in the making.

Synod 2011 adopted changes that allow baptized members at Lord’s Supper without a formal public profession of faith.

History was made with first joint meeting since the two churches parted ways in 1857.

Synod 2011 Meets new director of Home Missions.

Pastors no longer required to try to bring those churches into the CRC.

New graduates in the Reformed Church in America must comply with CRC candidacy rules.

RCA and CRC will have same wording for Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, and Heidelberg Catechism.

Officers have combined experience of 23 synods.

Number shrinks as more ethnic minority delegates come to synod.

Other than the Agenda, delegates are working entirely from computers.

Rev. Cornelius Plantinga Jr. thanked as he retires.

Delegates received information surrounding the circumstances of Rev. Jerry Dykstra’s departure.

Rev. Jerry Dykstra thanked for his contribution to the life of the church.

Seven young adults from across the denomination brought youth perspective to synod.

Synod accepts invitation to meet at Dordt College in Sioux Center.

Group has one year to review the denomination’s administrative structure and culture.

Seven women and 35 men were welcomed by Synod 2011.

Retirement age for ministers raised to 66, churches to pay more.

Delegates collected $2,300 to help pay medical bills.

Delegates urged to "press on" in the spirit of Pentecost.

Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee asked to foster a balanced discussion of the Belhar Confession.

Rev. Mark Vermaire reviews the work of a tumultuous and difficult year.

Rev. Joel Boot gives delegates his assessment.

Safe Church Ministry is here to provide a safe place, said Bonnie Nicholas

An elder from Boot’s church took the floor to second the motion to ratify Boot’s appointment as the denomination’s interim executive director.

Rev. Duane Kelderman thanked for decade of service at Calvin Theological Seminary.

Elder Cornelius Vander Kam, Classis Georgetown, was the most elderly delegate at this year’s synod, and elder Katie Ritsema-Roelofs was the youngest delegate.

Rev. Robert Heerspink and Rev. Randy Rowland have delegates doing a double take.

Alan Bliek drove to Michigan in his 1937 Chevy.

Young adults will meet every three years, overlapping with the annual synod.