A report at Synod 2025 noting the work of several different teams included appreciating the work of the Office of General Secretary, the work of the Bible Translation Committee, and the work of the Dignity Team. The report also acknowledged the work of the Canadian Justice Ministries—the Centre for Public Dialogue, Indigenous Ministry, and Intercultural Ministry.
Jay Crossen, Classis Huron, proposed a friendly amendment requesting that synod “note with appreciation” the work of the Canadian Justice Ministries along with the other ministries that had the word “appreciation” included.
Richard Grift, Classis Toronto, who brought the list of appreciations forward on behalf of his synodical advisory committee, said, “While there is appreciation by many Canadian CRC members and by some members of our advisory committee for the work of the Canadian Justice Ministries,” there was “enough concern, and/or ignorance by members of our committee, that we feel we don’t believe we could use the word ‘appreciation.’” Grift referenced, as an example, one member’s concern around the lack of communication about the ministries’ working in the area of justice on abortion or “end of life issues” and mentioned some difficulties with portions of the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, a teaching tool about reconciliation with Indigenous people.
Crossen said, “I deeply lament that—what you call ‘ignorance or lack of understanding.’”
Al Postma, executive director-Canada for the CRCNA, is the person who is directly responsible for overseeing the Canadian Justice Ministries. He invited synod to reach out to him with questions. He said, he’s “happy to talk more to you about it, learn a bit more, particularly if you have concerns.”
Postma presented a video showcasing some of the work of the justice ministries during the synodical banquet June 17.
Synod 2025, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting June 13-19 on the campus of Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont. Find daily coverage from The Banner at TheBanner.org/synod. Visit crcna.org/synod for the agenda, advisory reports, recordings of plenary sessions, and to subscribe to the daily Synod News email.
About the Author
Kristen Parker is a freelance writer. She has a passion for words and creativity. Kristen and her husband Chris, enjoy board games and thrift shopping. They attend Stratford CRC in Stratford, Ont.