Synod 2025 delegates decided that the content of The Banner must “speak from a distinctly Reformed perspective in line with our confessions and synodical decisions, representing the CRCNA as its official position.”
In presenting issues pertinent in the life of the church, The Banner will no longer show “diverse” positions but only positions held by the denomination.
And permitting people to voice views that others might find unacceptable is also struck from the previous mandate, established by Synod 2015. Added is that any “biblically prophetic and responsible criticism and evaluation of trends within the church and society” (which The Banner was already mandated to provide) must now give “proper acknowledgement and respect for the official positions of the CRCNA and (be) within the confines of our confessional covenant commitments.”
The Banner’s editor Shiao Chong told the delegates the recommendation was not a minor tweaking but a fundamental shift in the role and purpose of The Banner. The historic vision of The Banner is a forum of multiple voices for the denomination, he said. The second vision is that of The Banner representing the singular voice of the institution.
Tyler Wagenmaker, Classis Zeeland, favored the mandate change. “The Banner was the go-to publication of what are the thoughts of the day, but those are bygone days,” he said. “Instead of help, it is a hindrance to our ministry.”
Jonathan Spronk, Classis Central Plains, said The Banner is a net-negative as a forum. “We face plenty of cultural headwinds,” he said. “I would prefer a magazine (that says) this is what we believe, this is who we are.”
Other delegates, many of whom are Canadian, opposed the changes.
“Never would I have thought I would see the day when the word ‘diverse’ (would be) struck from the mandate of The Banner,” said John Tamming, Classis Huron. “I get that we need guardrails, but don’t reduce the magazine to a promotional brochure.”
Ben Wimmers, Classis B.C. South-East, said this decision will be a black mark on this synod. “I love to use The Banner for different points of view, a vision of the denomination as one that discusses, engages,” he said. “If we move in this direction that restricts and constricts, we’re moving into an intellectual cul-de-sac.”
John Brinkman, Classis Hamilton, said he prefers not to live in an echo chamber. “Promote trust and unity,” he said, “but let’s not conflate that with conformity.”
Grace Burns, young adult representative, commended The Banner for its commitment to exploring a range of ideas. “When a confessional and safe institution provides space for engaging with complex topics, it encourages critical thinking,” she said. “This, in turn, fosters a sense of safety and openness, particularly among the youth of the denomination.”
After the vote passed, announced by President Stephen Terpstra as 129 yes, 35 no, and three abstentions, six delegates registered negative votes, objecting to removing “diverse” from The Banner’s mandate and stating that the changes go too far.
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.