Rev. Gerben Meijer brought greetings to Synod 2025 on behalf of the Reformed Church of South Africa (Gereformeerde Kerke Suid-Afrika, GKSA). He noted that the two denominations have been in relationship since both denominations have existed, more than 150 years. “The CRCNA's involvement in Africa is a matter we hold dear and is close to our hearts.”
Meijer also noted that all the GKSA ecumenical relationships will be affected by its discussions regarding ordaining women in the offices of minister and elder. “During our synod in 2023, we decided to uphold ecumenical unity with your churches. This means that we share a common doctrine, service, and discipline. However, we have concerns regarding the decisions made by churches that permit women to serve in the office of pastor and elder.”
The GKSA has a committee studying how to respond to churches that have continued to ordain women as elders. “The decision reached during our synod in 2026 will, of course, impact our relationships with church associations in other countries.”
The GKSA faces many of the same challenges as churches in North America: Increasing secularization, immigration, political uncertainty, declining membership, and internal divisions. “Despite these difficulties, we remain grateful for the Lord's blessings and are committed to serving him with joy and gratitude,” Meijer said. “We have renewed our dedication to evangelism, church planting, and church growth.”
The Reformed Churches in South Africa comprise about 70,000 members and 382 congregations.
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
Gayla Postma retired as news editor for The Banner in 2020.