Dear Sir, In reading Rev. Piersma’s review of CRC Synod ‘77 in August’s issue of THE OUTLOOK and Rev. Van Baren’s review of CRC Synod ‘77 in September’s issue of The Standard Bearer, I am deeply saddened and at the same time thoroughly shocked by what I have read. In fact I had to read some sentences over to be sure of what I was reading. When questions involving women as office bearers in the church are not immediately put to rest in light of what Scripture says, then I, as a member of the CRC am ashamed of my church. When men such as Dr. Boer and Dr. Verhey are allowed to deviate from the teachings of Scripture and the doctrines of the CRC without being correctly disciplined and deposed from their office then I, as a member of the CRC, am ashamed of my church. I am also disturbed by the decision of Synod to approve the Young Adult Curriculum Plan. As Rev. Piersma stated, “We have traditionally held that catechism classes had as their ultimate purpose the preparation of covenant youth for profession of faith. This is now changed to “the major purpose of church education is to enable a person to engage in the work of the ministry.”

Few are called to the ministry and it is my feeling that Synod has taken a wrong tum. We as members of this Covenant are always to he ready to give a reason for the hope that Beth in us. Now Synod has said this is not the Christian‘s purpose! Wrong! This is every Christian‘s purpose! All of us are called to stand before the world and confess our Savior. As Paul says to Timothy. “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the confession in the sight of many witnesses” (I Tim. 6:11–12).

In conclusion, Rev. Piersma is certainty correct in his characterization of Synod ‘77 when he said, “it was not marked by decisive and courageous action.”

Where are the courageous leaders of the church today? Where are the Luther’s and Calvins? We as members of a congregation arc Riven the opportunity to elect our ciders and deacons. If these men are not going to stand up courageously for the truth than the blame must fall back on us. Maybe we should look more closely at I Timothy 3!

We need courageous leaders who stand up for the truth and condemn the false doctrine and heresy in the church today—no matter what the cost!

CURT VELLENGA

(Mr. Vellenga plans to attend Michigan State University this fall.)