In a recent issue of this magazine, the editor pointed out that our major assemblies (classis & synod) are often not representative of the local churches. And yet the representational character of these assemblies lies at the heart of Reformed church policy.
Well, there is yet another body where we have a similar problem. The delegates of the CRC to the recent meeting of the RES (Ref. Ecu. Synod) were not representative of the churches as a whole. One could say in fact that the entire delegation was very unrepresentative of the CRC.
This becomes evident when one reads the report of the RES meeting in The Banner of Sept. 10, 84. Several member churches in the RES are very disturbed about happenings in the Gereformeerde Kerken of the Netherlands. A rather strongly worded motion was passed, stating that “on certain points (discipline, scriptural authority, homophilia), the GKN are departing from the testimony of Scripture and the substance of the Reformed confessions.” However, Calvin College professor John Primus tried to “rescue” the Dutch churches by proposing an amendment which stated that the Dutch churches are “in danger of departing” from Scripture and confession. CRC delegate Boomsma “contended that the GKN aren’t indifferent to deviation from the confessions; instead they affirm them. He saw no valid reason to part company with them.” Another CRC delegate , former Calvin Seminary president John Kromminga “tried to persuade the synod that the GKN is trying to articulate the gospel meaningfully to our age,” and their departure from the RES “would be a serious loss” to this body. Kromminga also favored changing the Constitution of the RES to make more room for the GKN.
Well, there you have it. One wonders what would really have to happen in the GKN before they actually depart from Scripture and confession in the mind of these delegates! If they are only “in danger of” doing that today, one would hate to see what actual departure would mean!
These delegates did not represent me nor a host of other CRC members. In the future we had better either send other delegates more representative of the CRC or have them stay home altogether. That way they would do less damage than is now the case.
J. Tuininga, Lethbridge, Alberta