The Synod of 1984 has become history. It was a synod of strong emotions, of procedural maneuvering (or was it, manipulating?), of many challenges to the chair, of numerous roll-call votes, of close decisions, of a number of apologies, both “in house” and public, and of an unprecedented number of “recorded” negative and positive votes.

It was a Synod in which the increasing polarization in our denomination became very evident. It was for many delegates a disturbing, disheartening, and distressful experience.

The Grace CRC in Grand Rapids was this year’s convening church, and its pastor, Dr. Roger Van Ham, conducted the Prayer Service on the evening preceding the opening session of Synod. On Tuesday morning the 160 delegates gathered in the Fine Arts Auditorium of Calvin College to begin their work. Nearly all of the first morning was spent on electing officers. On the third ballot, with a majority of one (80-79) Dr. Van Ham was elected President. By a number of successive ballots Rev. Hans Uittenbosch, Harbor Chaplain at Montreal, Quebec, was elected VicePresident; Rev. Howard Spaan, Pastor of the Church of the Savior in Corvallis, Oregon, was chosen to be First Clerk; and Rev. Jack Reiffer, Home Missionary in Champaign, Illinois, was elected Second Clerk.

Prior to the balloting for officers Synod decided upon a change in the procedure of selecting Synodical officers. The names and number of votes cast were announced at each step in the electing process. Synod later in its session adopted this part of an overture (24) from Classis Chicago South which asked for revision of the selection procedure.

The delegates rose to confirm allegiance to the doctrinal statements of the Church and to promise to conform their actions to the Creeds, agreeably to the accepted Church Order. What happens if recommendations are presented that are not in harmony with the Creeds or Church Order? Then Church Order and Creeds are changed to harmonize with such decisions. That happened! Seems like putting the cart before the horse?

Many hours the first days of Synod are spent in meetings of the various advisory committees, of which this year there were eleven.

Educational Matters

As usual some of the first matters to be dealt with by the plenary session of synod were educational. Synod approved a list of appointments to the faculties of Calvin College and Calvin Seminary. Six new faculty members were given regular appointments to the College staff; nine were given “terminal” appointments—terms that expire in one or two years. Nine faculty members were given tenure in their positions. Mr. Michael Van Denend was named the new Director of Alumni Relations.

Synod approved the retirement of four college professors – Herman Broene, Prof. of Chemistry; Henry Ippel, Prof. of History; Charles Miller, Prof. of History; and Dorothy Westra, Prof. ofEducation. Synod also recognized the 25th anniversary of the appointment to the college of George Harris, Prof. of Classical Languages; of Gordon J. Spykman, Prof. ofReligion and Theology; of A. Donald Vroon, Assistant Prof. of Physical Education; of Stanley M . Wiersma, Prof. of English; of Nicholas P. Wolterstorff, Prof. of Philosophy; and of Dr. Bastiaan Van Elderen who has completed 25 years of service to Calvin Seminary and will be leaving to teach at the Free University (Amsterdam). All of these persons were honored at the annual testimonial dinner held the Tuesday evening of the second week of synod.

With regard to Calvin Seminary, Synod reappointed Dr. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. as Associate Prof. of Systematic Theology for two years. Dr. Seyoon Kim, a Korean scholar, was given a special one-year “Lectureship as Visiting Professor of New Testament” for the 1985–86 academic year. After conducting an interview with Dr. David Holwerda, Synod appointed him to the position of Professor of New Testament for three years.

Continuing with educational matters, Synod approved continuing support for the Fare! lnstitut in Quebec for the next three years, with a $1.00 per family quota for each of these years. Synod also noted with gratitude the continuing work of Dordt College, the Institute for Christian Studies, Redeemer College, Reformed Bible College, King’s College, Trinity Christian College, and United Calvinist Youth.

Synod did not accede to the overture (29) from Classis California South to change sponsorship and control of Calvin College from the Church to a society, citing as reasons that it was not demonstrated that church ownership of the college violated Scriptural principles, that it is advantageous to the church that the college remain under church control, and that church ownership would assure the continued integrity of Calvin College.

Gospel Ministries

Synod declared 34 men candidates for the ministry. After an introduction by the seminary president, Dr. James De Jong, of the men and their families who could be present, and after a short litany, the candidates were addressed by the president of synod and received congratulations from the delegates. May the Lord bless them and use them in His Church and Kingdom!

Thinking of those who will enter the ministry, we think of those who have completed their service in the active ministry. Synod approved the honorable emeritation of twenty ministers, most of whom had reached retirement age. We thank the Lord for the faithful ministry of these His servants. Synod also approved the work of a number of synodical deputies who concurred with a number of classes in admitting some ten ministers into the CRC from other denominations. Ten ministers were released from the CRC for various reasons.

Synod also considered the question of “need” for ministers from other denominations to enter the CRC. A study committee (Report 36) had been appointed by the Synod of 1983. Synod adopted a new supplement to Church Order Art. 8 which specifies more clearly the involvement of synodical deputies. The upshot of this decision is that it will be a bit more difficult for ministers from other denominations to become ministers in the CRC. On the other hand, Synod appointed a study committee in response to Overture 2 from Classis Northern Illinois “to identify causes, including Church Order ramifications, and formulate appropriate recommendations to establish procedures and requirements for the preparation, examination, and ordination of pastors of the multiracial groups which are in the CRC, or are seeking affiliation with it.” Is this a situation of discriminatory “tightening” on one hand and “loosening” on the other???

Missionaries and Chaplains

One of the highlights of our annual synods is the presentation of the missionaries from around the world who represent the church in bringing the Gospel. The missionaries were presented to Synod by Dr. Eugene Rubingh, Executive Secretary of World Missions. Responding to a standing ovation from the delegates were Rev. Jose Martinez from the Dominican Republic, representing Latin America; Margaret Enter from Liberia, representing Africa; and Rev. Ron Vander Griend from the Philippines, representing Asia.

After the missionaries, military, institutional, and industrial chaplains were introduced to Synod by Rev. Harold Bode, Executive Secretary ofthe Chaplains Committee. Chaplains Ralph Bronkema and Peter Winkle briefly addressed Synod. After their speeches, Col. John Hoogland, an elder delegate to Synod from Classis Hackensack thanked the chaplains on behalfofSynod. Synod authorized the Chaplains Committee to appoint a minister as full-time Assistant Executive Secretary.

Church Social Responsibilities

An appeal by a member of one of our Canadian churches against his classis sparked considerable controversy. The member requested that “Synod instruct the CR Home Missions not to accept funds from the Amway Corporation designated to send ministers to the “Institute for Successful Church Leadership” under the direction of Dr. R. Schuller at the Crystal Cathedral. The matter was discussed in an open session with none of the persons in question or representatives of their respective consistories present. As a result of remarks, mainly by Canadian delegates, the following headline appeared on the front page of the next day’s Grand Rapids Press, ‘“CRC Synod Issues Apology to Amway Corp. Founders.”

Apartheid—heresy? This was one of the matters on Synod’s agenda which was expected to arouse considerable debate; and it did! Some delegates argued that apartheid is a political, not a theological issue; that the CRC has no business sticking its nose into the business of a government in South Africa; that to brand apartheid, though it is condemnable, as “heresy” is to say too much. Speeches in favor of the recommendation of the Interchurch Relations Committee were mainly of the nature of personal recollections and sentiments. Synod voted to condemn the Biblical and theological defense of apartheid as “heresy.” This decision had also been recommended by the Race Committee (SCORR). One wonders if there is any other organization in the CRC that is more racially discriminatory than SCORR! The request from Classis Eastern Canada to sever relationships with the Gereformeerde Kerk in Suid Afrika, a South African denomination with historic ties to South African defenders of apartheid, was not granted.

Another matter of considerable concern was that of the appeal of Paul and Penna Stoub against the Board of Publications’ decision to pay to the IRS the taxes owed by the Stoubs. The Stoubs had come to the conclusion that the U.S. Government was engaged in “idolatrous militarism” and refused to pay 50 percent of their U.S. income tax which they claimed equaJled the amount paid in support of military budget. The IRS placed a levy against Stoub’s income, and in May when the Board was informed by the IRS that an imminent suit would place the Board in violation of the law and subject to heavy fine , the Board paid the IRS. This decision was appealed by the Stoubs because it was a failure to support them in their conscientious objection. After considerable opposition from the floor Synod granted Paul Stoub an opportunity to address Synod. He told of a “vision” and a “voice” from the Lord. As one listened one could not help but think of our Reformed conviction that the canon of Scripture is complete, and of Revelation 22:18. Synod voted to sustain the Board but also voted to appoint a committee to “study conscientious objection as it may apply to tax resistance and provide guidelines for the church in dealing with this issue.” Appropriately, the elder who conducted the opening devotions for the next session of Synod read from Romans 13 – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities . . .” “. . . if you owe taxes, you pay taxes . . . .”

Publications

The Board of Publications has big plans –wants to take over the Liturgical Committee, and the work of the World Literature Committee; proposed to get into film, radio and/or TV; wishes to publish a new monthly periodical for church leaders, and a monthly Calvinistic news magazine. In addition to all this, the Board wants to relocate its operations to larger facilities provided by the denomination at a cost of between 1.5 and 2 million dollars. With very little discussion Synod approved the six-year plan entitled “Charting a New Course.”

Synod interviewed Mr. Gary Mulder, the Publication Board’s nominee for Executive Director, and appointed Mr. Mulder to that post. He will replace A. James Heynen whose term ends September 1985. Synod adopted a fitting tribute to Mr. Heynen.

There are always a number of people who address Synod, and this year was no exception. Rev. Henry Bruinooge spoke for the Back to God Hour; Synod approved the work of the Back to God Hour Committee. Fraternal delegates who addressed Synod were: Rev. Winston Gauder of the Australian Reformed Church; Dr. Egbert Schuurman of the Netherlands Reformed Church in the Netherlands; Rev . Bernard Stonehouse of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church; Mr. Donald Boerema of the Presbyterian Church in America; Rev . Joshua Manyam of the Church of Christ in the Sudan among the Tiv; and Rev. W. Zimmerman of the CRC in South Africa. Dr. Paul Schrotenboer, representing the Reformed Ecumenical Synod spoke of issues facing the RES as its assembly in Chicago in July of this year. The Multiracial Ministries Conference, sponsored by SCORR, Home Missions, and CRWRC, was meeting on the campus and five of the delegates, representing five different CRC culture groups addressed Synod.

Liturgy

For the Liturgical Committee, Synod gave approval to another section of prayers . One wonders how many of these are used in our churches. Synod also approved the table and order of contents of the new Psalter Hymnal. Dr. Emily Brink, Music Editor, presented additional information and answered questions. A motion was made to include the Form number 1 of Forms for Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Profe ssion of Faith, but was not adopted. Hence these familiar and valued Forms will not appear in the new Psalter Hymnal.

Missions

Synod listened to and watched Home Mission ‘s new sight/sound program “God Reigns” and listened to brief addresses by the Executive Secretary, Rev. John VanRyn, and the new Field Secretary, Rev. Alfred Mulder, and applauded the home missionaries among the delegates and in the audience. Synod reappointed Rev. Van Ryn as Executive Secretary, at his request for a two-year term. Synod also adopted the eight “affirmations” of the Board for its ministry for the next five years.

Synod gave CRWRC permission to begin development work in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Belize, and approved its “cooperative relationships” with Christian Rural Development in Nigeria, with the Missionary Church Association in Haiti and with the church in Uganda, but turned down CRWRC’s request to provide development in South India in joint agreement with the Reformed Church in America.

Synod gave permission to the Board of World Missions to begin work in French-speaking Africa and Belize. Synod also approved for another three years the loaning of ministers to the churches in Australia and in New Zealand. Synod also reappointed Rev. Edward Van Baak to another four-year term as World Missions Asia Area Secretary. The program to supply educators to Chong Shin College in Korea in conjunction with Calvin College was approved. Synod also appointed a special committee to attempt to resolve the difficulties between CRWM and the Independent Presbyterian Church in Mexico.

World Missions and Relief

The relationship between CRWM (Missions) and CRWRC (Relief) and the report of the Commission appointed to resolve the difficulties between the two agencies was considered at length. The Commission proposed a far-reaching reorganization, World Missions responded with a request for complete merger, and CRWRC said the Commission’s proposals threatened CRWRC’s vision, program, and effectiveness. Synod told the Commission to proceed with its plan for reorganization but to delay implementation of the plan until after the 1985 Synod makes a final review. The names of both organizations will be retained. Steps should be taken to insure that deacons are adequately involved in participating in the new organization. Synod also instructed the Commission to consider naming a single staff head (“Director of World Ministries”) and to receive from the churches input on the matter until December 1, 1984.

Finances

Financial matters this year were unusually handled in that most of the financial decisions were adopted with minimal discussion and debate, at least as far as the regular “household” items were concerned. Quotas adopted amounted to $366.65 per family for the next year. Synod faced an overture which requested a revision of the basis of the quota system from families to individual confessing members. This was given to the Standing Financial Committee for consideration. Synod also decided that calling churches for ministers in extraordinary service must provide for support in the event that such a minister is suspended. Synod chose not to adopt the overture from Champaign Valley CRC that churches which do not abide by the Church Order shall not receive FNC assistance. The minimum salary for churches receiving FNC assistance for the pastor was set at $18,900.00. Synod approved the compensation/position analysis program for executive/managerial personnel of the various Boards of the denomination and approved the salary ranges for various job levels.

Overtures

In conclusion, note some of the decisions in answer to various overtures. Synod appointed a committee to study the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and to provide pastoral guidelines to churches. An overture requesting clarification of the “Dance” decision of the 1982 Synod was turned down because it was deemed that a revision of the decision was asked for. Turned down was the overture to change pension plans whereby all ordained ministers serving organized congregations would be covered by the pension quota instead of only one minister per congregation. Synod adopted the overture requesting its agencies not to designate Sundays as “special Lord’s Days.” Adopted was the overture to require those persons licensed to exhort in the churches to subscribe to the Forms of Unity. Synod voted to allow the use of the Benediction in wedding ceremonies. Synod turned down the overture requesting Classes to engage in more thorough questioning of congregations in line with Article 41 C.O. Synod turned down the overture. requesting change in the wording of the Belgic Confession regarding the Anabaptists, and also the overture requesting the placement of Question 80 of the Heidelberg Catechism as a footnote after Question 79. Synod appointed a committee to study the matter of covenant children partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Synod also decided that any Consistory has the right to inquire concerning the confessional integrity of office-bearers in line with the Formula of Subscription’s statement that office-bearers are to be willing and ready to provide “further explanation of sentiments respecting any particular” article of the Confessions.

It is our prayer that the Lord will bless the work of Synod where that was in harmony with His revealed will and Word, and forgive what was done amiss!