“Watershed” has been defined as a “critical decisive point; a turning point.” If that definition is true, then we may have before us at the Christian Reformed Synod of 1981 a “watershed.” After eight years of tossing the ball called “Women in ecclesiastical office” into opposing courts, the CR denomination must at last settle the […]
At this time of the year we again review the newly published Agenda (“things to be done”) for the June Synod of the Christian Reformed churches. Such a survey may interest members of church consistories who get (but few of whom may read) the 472 page book, as well as other of our church members […]
The Christian Reformed Synod will be faced with a variety of views and opinions on the issue of women in ecclesiastical office in the Christian Reformed Church. One of these is an overture submitted by Classis Hackensack of the CRC. It asks the Synod to permit each congregation to decide this matter for itself. Those […]
A. Report 29 (Capital Punishment) in the 1979 Acts of Synod was received by Synod and referred to all of our churches for study reflection and response to the Study Committee. All of our consistories are urged to study the report and to submit their response or suggestions to the Study Committee by Oct. 15, […]
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us . . .” (Acts 15:28). With these words the apostles and elders who gathered at Jerusalem for the first general assembly or synod of the Christian church characterized the decisions they had reached. What the conferees at Jerusalem were saying was that the decisions they […]
In this third article Rev. Edward Heerema, retired Christian Reformed pastor living at 619 E. 32nd St., Cape Coral, Florida 33904, further explores what promises to be a major issue at the June Christian Reformed Church Synod, the opening of the office of deacon to women. Will Synod 1981 set the mind of the Christian […]
Edward Heerema, retired Christian Reformed pastor living at 619 S.E. 32nd St., Cape Coral, Florida 33904, gives us the second of four articles dealing with the subject which promises to be a major issue at the denomination’s June synod, whether special church offices are to be opened to women. Our church began its recent reflection […]
A Reader’s Question From one of our California readers we have received the following letter: Dear Editor of the Outlook, I would like to see you write an editorial in the Outlook on the following: Are we who are members of the Christian Reformed Denomination responsible for the decisions of Synod? I have in mind […]
Edward Heerema, retired pastor living at Cape Coral, Florida begins a series of articles dealing with what promises to be a major issue at the next Christian Reformed synod—the issue of women in church office. An hour of decision for the Christian Reformed Church is due in June 1981. Then the synod is scheduled to […]
1980’s Short, Efficient Synod From all reports the spirit and the efficiency of Synod 1980 was exemplary. There was little rancor, we are told, and the whole business was brought to the earliest conclusion (Wednesday of the second week) in my memory. Praise the Lord! For some this proves that the wrong people have been […]