We the delegates of the Christian Reformed Church of America who met in the Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church of Holland, October 31November 2, 1872, thank God for the unity He gave us during our deliberations. Our prayer is that all the members of our two denominations may experience a like unity and to that end we heartily endorse the following recommendations and covenant together to implement them.
1. That we recognize, reaffirm, and publish the positions taken by our respective Inter-Church Relations Committees in 1966 and 1967, the substance of which is herewith submitted:
a. Joint work on liturgy to explore common concerns, and to suggest and foster similar patterns of worship and liturgy in our two churches.
b. Joint planning be used in church extension to avoid overlapping so that kingdom resources and witness may be used most effectively.
c. The encouragement of local exchanges between churches, including pulpit fellowship.
d. Overseas mission efforts done in a cooperative manner wherever possible.
Denominational Level
2. That the efforts toward unity between our denominations shall recognize the freedom of each denomination to enter into or maintain its relationships with other churches and ecumenical bodies.
3. We recommend to our respective Inter-Church Relations Committees that they devise a uniform set of proposals to be submitted to our respective General Synods by which joint study and action can be undertaken by our denominations in approved areas. We suggest that they consider the formation of a joint committee, consisting of five members from each of the Inter-Church Relations Committees, whose function shall be to receive and transmit to the synods proposals for joint study; assign to appropriate agencies matters on which the synods desire joint action; and serve as liaison for exchange of pertinent materials, such as study reports, between committees working on similar tasks in our two denominations.
4. That consideration be given to the planning of one or more joint Festivals to promote understanding and the accomplishment of our common task.
5. That it is our hope and desire that the churches will enter into Fuller fraternal relationships and that the Inter-Church Relations Committees work to this end, including a study and clarification of the matter of transfer of members with a view to proper recognition of each other’s ecclesiastical being.
6. That each denomination give serious attention to the study of each other’s position on ecumenicity, in particular the statement “The Unity We Seek to Manifest” of the RCA and the synodical statement of the CRC by the Synod of 1944.
7. That we exchange observer-participants, at each other’s major planning meetings for youth work and efforts be encouraged where cooperation might be possible in such areas as magazine production, servicemen’s ministry, camping, conference programs, production of resource materials, and leadership training materials.
8. That efforts for cooperation be made in the production of Sunday School curriculum materials.
Classis Level
9. That every classis explore joint training events or seminars for laity and church consistories in the area of evangelistic outreach.
10. That there be joint meetings of classis Missions Committees and Church Planning and Development Committees for the purpose of exploring common areas of ministry.
11. That teacher training workshops be held jointly for the purpose of developing teacher proficiency in our Sunday schools.
12. That the concept of classical fraternal delegates be encouraged and further forms of interchange be developed.
Publications
13. That the offices of Evangelism bring together a committee to discuss and prepare articles for the respective denominational periodicals on the concepts of conversion, covenant, and evangelism.
14. That there be interchange of articles in our denominational publications.
Local Level
15. That local congregations discuss together before December 31, 1972, if possible, means for implementing the Key ‘73 Bible distribution goal.
16. That consistory fellowships be developed in order that we may “get to know each other” on a local level and that further understanding and c0operation be developed.
17. We rejoice in the many joint ministries and relationships on local, regional, and denominational levels. We recommend that full information on these programs be gathered and be given visibility, thus serving as models for other communities with similar opportunities.
18. That all the churches of our denominations hold special services on or about April 8, 1973, whether jointly or otherwise, for the promotion of closer fellowship, cooperation, and denominational unity. Further, that a committee of two be appointed to draw up a proclamation calling the churches to participate in such a program for unity in their Christian faith and service.
Call to Action
The conference generated a number of workable ideas and suggestions, all of which rose out of the spirit of enthusiasm and planning present at the conference. The list is impressive if for no other reason than its length. But it could be just so many words on paper, “full of sound and fury,” unless ministers, laymen, and official bodies throughout our churches take them seriously and carry them into fulfillment. To such significant work we call the churches of our denominations so that the efforts here just begun will reach maturity and fulfillment in the life and work of our two churches.
To that end we pray the blessing of God’s Spirit upon our efforts so that we labor not in vain. Rather, we plead the mercies of God that what we have envisioned, we together with many others, may now bring into being so that His name may be glorified, His church may be made victorious, and His people may rejoice in the blessings that flow from the unity they seek. (The full text of the recommendations may be found in the Minutes of the respective churches for the Synods of 1966 and 1967.)
CRC-RCA Get-Together
Holland, Mich. – One hundred representatives from the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America met here recently to discuss their differences and their similarities. The Christian Reformed Church, though briefly a part of the older “Dutch” Reformed body, separated from it in 1857. The two churches, both composed largely of Dutch immigrants (many in the RCA having come before the American Revolution, most of those in the CRC having come in the 1850s or after World War II), have had some talks about cooperation in the past and do work together in some areas.
In general, the Christian Reformed Church has taken a stricter view of various issues over the years; it is, for example, strongly opposed to permitting members to belong to secret societies like the Masonic Order. The Reformed Church has traditionally allowed much more freedom to its local congregations, has approved the ordination of women as ruling or teaching elders, and is a member of the National and World Council of Churches.
The meeting in Holland found those present largely of one mind and sympathy. Concluding resolutions spoke of the “unity” present at the meeting, and urged various steps be taken to further that unity. The meeting had no legislative power of its own, but its resolutions will undoubtedly be considered seriously by the respective synods of the two churches.
At its last synod in June, the Christian Reformed Church broke off conversations with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church looking toward possible merger, even as it approved the meeting with Reformed Church representatives that was just held in Holland, Michigan. Commenting on this turn of events, the Rev. Peter De Jong, Christian Reformed pastor in Dutton, Michigan, writes: “The thirteen-year old special efforts to achieve closer relations between the Christian Reformed and the Orthodox Presbyterian Churches are now being discontinued. Why? Because of the Orthodox Presbyterians’ lack of confidence in our faithfulness to the Reformed faith. Significantly, the report of our Christian Reformed committee observed: ‘Perhaps the most crucial issue concerns the infallibility and inspiration of the Scriptures’ . . .” (The Outlook, Nov. 1972). Tn the same issue of The Outlook, its editor and former editor of The Banner (the official organ of the CRC), the Rev. John Vander Ploeg, says, “It is distressing and significant that, while the CRC at this year’s Synod . . . was so ready to enter into discussion with the RCA, at the same time our discussions with a doctrinally sound body like the Orthodox Presbyterian Church were terminated.”
Both of these Christian Reformed ministers see this closing off of discussions with the OPC while opening them to the RCA as indicative of a trend within the CRC that disturbs them. It is hard to view it otherwise. It should be noted, to keep the record straight, that the same Synod of the CRC did invite the General Assembly of the OPC to consider appointing representatives to various study committees that would report to both churches; and that opening should be entered by the Orthodox Presbyterians. Nevertheless, the action to shut off formal conversations with the OPC, while beginning to open up toward the RCA, is surely evidence of some basic attitude within the CRC as to where its interests lie. And the assumption of those present at the Holland meeting that “unity” already exists is itself either the result of indifference to theological differences on the part of Christian Reformed representatives present, or of agreement with the looser theological stance present in the Reformed Church in America.
–Reprinted from The Presbyterian Guardian, December 1972.
1. That we recognize, reaffirm, and publish the positions taken by our respective Inter-Church Relations Committees in 1966 and 1967, the substance of which is herewith submitted:
a. Joint work on liturgy to explore common concerns, and to suggest and foster similar patterns of worship and liturgy in our two churches.
b. Joint planning be used in church extension to avoid overlapping so that kingdom resources and witness may be used most effectively.
c. The encouragement of local exchanges between churches, including pulpit fellowship.
d. Overseas mission efforts done in a cooperative manner wherever possible.
Denominational Level
2. That the efforts toward unity between our denominations shall recognize the freedom of each denomination to enter into or maintain its relationships with other churches and ecumenical bodies.
3. We recommend to our respective Inter-Church Relations Committees that they devise a uniform set of proposals to be submitted to our respective General Synods by which joint study and action can be undertaken by our denominations in approved areas. We suggest that they consider the formation of a joint committee, consisting of five members from each of the Inter-Church Relations Committees, whose function shall be to receive and transmit to the synods proposals for joint study; assign to appropriate agencies matters on which the synods desire joint action; and serve as liaison for exchange of pertinent materials, such as study reports, between committees working on similar tasks in our two denominations.
4. That consideration be given to the planning of one or more joint Festivals to promote understanding and the accomplishment of our common task.
5. That it is our hope and desire that the churches will enter into Fuller fraternal relationships and that the Inter-Church Relations Committees work to this end, including a study and clarification of the matter of transfer of members with a view to proper recognition of each other’s ecclesiastical being.
6. That each denomination give serious attention to the study of each other’s position on ecumenicity, in particular the statement “The Unity We Seek to Manifest” of the RCA and the synodical statement of the CRC by the Synod of 1944.
7. That we exchange observer-participants, at each other’s major planning meetings for youth work and efforts be encouraged where cooperation might be possible in such areas as magazine production, servicemen’s ministry, camping, conference programs, production of resource materials, and leadership training materials.
8. That efforts for cooperation be made in the production of Sunday School curriculum materials.
Classis Level
9. That every classis explore joint training events or seminars for laity and church consistories in the area of evangelistic outreach.
10. That there be joint meetings of classis Missions Committees and Church Planning and Development Committees for the purpose of exploring common areas of ministry.
11. That teacher training workshops be held jointly for the purpose of developing teacher proficiency in our Sunday schools.
12. That the concept of classical fraternal delegates be encouraged and further forms of interchange be developed.
Publications
13. That the offices of Evangelism bring together a committee to discuss and prepare articles for the respective denominational periodicals on the concepts of conversion, covenant, and evangelism.
14. That there be interchange of articles in our denominational publications.
Local Level
15. That local congregations discuss together before December 31, 1972, if possible, means for implementing the Key ‘73 Bible distribution goal.
16. That consistory fellowships be developed in order that we may “get to know each other” on a local level and that further understanding and c0operation be developed.
17. We rejoice in the many joint ministries and relationships on local, regional, and denominational levels. We recommend that full information on these programs be gathered and be given visibility, thus serving as models for other communities with similar opportunities.
18. That all the churches of our denominations hold special services on or about April 8, 1973, whether jointly or otherwise, for the promotion of closer fellowship, cooperation, and denominational unity. Further, that a committee of two be appointed to draw up a proclamation calling the churches to participate in such a program for unity in their Christian faith and service.
Call to Action
The conference generated a number of workable ideas and suggestions, all of which rose out of the spirit of enthusiasm and planning present at the conference. The list is impressive if for no other reason than its length. But it could be just so many words on paper, “full of sound and fury,” unless ministers, laymen, and official bodies throughout our churches take them seriously and carry them into fulfillment. To such significant work we call the churches of our denominations so that the efforts here just begun will reach maturity and fulfillment in the life and work of our two churches.
To that end we pray the blessing of God’s Spirit upon our efforts so that we labor not in vain. Rather, we plead the mercies of God that what we have envisioned, we together with many others, may now bring into being so that His name may be glorified, His church may be made victorious, and His people may rejoice in the blessings that flow from the unity they seek. (The full text of the recommendations may be found in the Minutes of the respective churches for the Synods of 1966 and 1967.)
CRC-RCA Get-Together
Holland, Mich. – One hundred representatives from the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America met here recently to discuss their differences and their similarities. The Christian Reformed Church, though briefly a part of the older “Dutch” Reformed body, separated from it in 1857. The two churches, both composed largely of Dutch immigrants (many in the RCA having come before the American Revolution, most of those in the CRC having come in the 1850s or after World War II), have had some talks about cooperation in the past and do work together in some areas.
In general, the Christian Reformed Church has taken a stricter view of various issues over the years; it is, for example, strongly opposed to permitting members to belong to secret societies like the Masonic Order. The Reformed Church has traditionally allowed much more freedom to its local congregations, has approved the ordination of women as ruling or teaching elders, and is a member of the National and World Council of Churches.
The meeting in Holland found those present largely of one mind and sympathy. Concluding resolutions spoke of the “unity” present at the meeting, and urged various steps be taken to further that unity. The meeting had no legislative power of its own, but its resolutions will undoubtedly be considered seriously by the respective synods of the two churches.
At its last synod in June, the Christian Reformed Church broke off conversations with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church looking toward possible merger, even as it approved the meeting with Reformed Church representatives that was just held in Holland, Michigan. Commenting on this turn of events, the Rev. Peter De Jong, Christian Reformed pastor in Dutton, Michigan, writes: “The thirteen-year old special efforts to achieve closer relations between the Christian Reformed and the Orthodox Presbyterian Churches are now being discontinued. Why? Because of the Orthodox Presbyterians’ lack of confidence in our faithfulness to the Reformed faith. Significantly, the report of our Christian Reformed committee observed: ‘Perhaps the most crucial issue concerns the infallibility and inspiration of the Scriptures’ . . .” (The Outlook, Nov. 1972). Tn the same issue of The Outlook, its editor and former editor of The Banner (the official organ of the CRC), the Rev. John Vander Ploeg, says, “It is distressing and significant that, while the CRC at this year’s Synod . . . was so ready to enter into discussion with the RCA, at the same time our discussions with a doctrinally sound body like the Orthodox Presbyterian Church were terminated.”
Both of these Christian Reformed ministers see this closing off of discussions with the OPC while opening them to the RCA as indicative of a trend within the CRC that disturbs them. It is hard to view it otherwise. It should be noted, to keep the record straight, that the same Synod of the CRC did invite the General Assembly of the OPC to consider appointing representatives to various study committees that would report to both churches; and that opening should be entered by the Orthodox Presbyterians. Nevertheless, the action to shut off formal conversations with the OPC, while beginning to open up toward the RCA, is surely evidence of some basic attitude within the CRC as to where its interests lie. And the assumption of those present at the Holland meeting that “unity” already exists is itself either the result of indifference to theological differences on the part of Christian Reformed representatives present, or of agreement with the looser theological stance present in the Reformed Church in America.
–Reprinted from The Presbyterian Guardian, December 1972.