In the issue of June 1, The Banner editor makes a plea for openness, honesty and integrity. “We should all calm down, be open and honest with each other, argue with each other, never stop loving each other. . . .” He also states “that The Banner does not sell pages for messages of prophets and prophetesses on either side of a given issue.”

I endorse the editor’s plea. We surely could stand some more integrity, especially among the leaders, in the way we handle things in our ecclesiastical house.

But I have never been able to understand why The Banner keeps allowing space for the ads of the self–styled “Committee for Women in the Chr. Ref. Church.” Is this not “sell(ing) pages for messages of . . . prophetesses”? The style and purpose of this Committee is clearly informed by the secular philosophy of the Women’s Liberation Movement and revolutionary in character. Never mind duly established authority in the church: these women are determined, come hell or high water, to open all the offices in the church to women. And they are willing to pursue all ends to reach that goal, including special “prayer services” before the meetings of synod.

But notwithstanding the revolutionary character of this movement, The Banner keeps allowing room for their ads, and now Calvinist Contact is also getting on the band wagon. I don’t understand this business.

Some years ago synod took concrete steps to silence the Assn. of Chr. Ref. Laymen. Consistories were even instructed to discipline members of this Assn.! We could not put up with this kind of stuff!

Nevertheless, one thing is clear in my mind: the

A.C.R.L. was not nearly as revolutionary or undermining in character as is this Women’s Committee. The former at least had high regard for our creeds and the Church Order. That’s more than I can say for these women! Yet the latter have freedom to propagate their views.

A few years ago synod came close to reprimanding the Dutton consistory for continually protesting the erroneous teachings of Dr. Verhey, while the same synod refused to take a clear stand on the doctrinal issue at hand.

It seems that some things are more allowed in the church than others, all depending on who makes the rules. I think Christ said something about meting with one measure. What is more, the Lord’s Supper form talks about the “gross sin” of those “who seek to raise discord . . . or mutiny in Church or State.” Well, if this Women’s Committee does not fall into that category, t hen I would like to know who or what does.

We need integrity to be sure. But I find this a strange kind of integrity.

Jelle Tuininga is the pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.