A Path Toward Denominational Unity (Not Uniformity)

(from Peter TeWinkle on the Guest Blog)

It’s nice to read that the theme of this year’s General Synod was unity. It’s unfortunate that the reports and anecdotes I’ve heard since then were anything but unifying. So, “what events would have to take place and what problems would have to be addressed for the RCA to experience genuine, vibrant, Christ-pleasing, Spirit-filled, God-glorifying unity?" 

1.) Admit that we do not trust one another in the RCA. This is not just a denominational problem. It is a symptom of our larger society. Mobility and social media have allowed us to be surrounded by like-minded people and the result is suspicion of differing views. It lurks around every corner. Democrats and Republicans don’t trust one another. White people and black people don’t trust one another. Young people and old people don’t trust one another. Rather than get to know one another and find common ground, people tend to hunker down in their respective camps and demand uniformity in belief and behavior. Uniformity is not unity. My wife and I are united, but we are certainly not uniform in our beliefs or our behaviors. Still, even if we disagree, we always trust that our partner begins with good intentions and give each other space to learn and grow. It would be nice to have that in our denomination as well.

2.) Remove cultural boundaries. Our denomination continues to struggle with unity because, like the first churches, we have a hard time telling the difference between cultural and theological boundaries. Cultural differences, gender roles, and socio-economic statuses prevent us from coming together as one in Christ Jesus. The church is the body of people who confess that Jesus is Lord (or God’s Son or Anointed One or Messiah, etc.) and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead. This is what it means to be Christian, Reformed or otherwise; probably not more and definitely not less.

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A lament

(From Justin Meyers)

Now that Synod is over, I have given myself sometime to lament. I share with you, how ever still rough and unpolished, a lament born out of Synod. I have hope that God will continue to work in us, with us, and even on us, until we are what we are called to be.

Blessings,
Justin

A Lament

O Lord our Creator, how long will we claim you as our God

until we realize that you first claimed us as your children?

O, Christ the King of kings, how long will attempt to build your Kingdom

until we realize that you have already built it?

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R-56 Substitute and Conscientious Dissent

(from David Timmer on the Guest Blog)

The much discussed resolution on homosexuality passed by General Synod 2012 (R-56 Substitute) states that it is a “disciplinable offense” for an office-bearer to express dissent from the “official position” of the denomination that homosexual activity is sinful.  (At least, I assume that this is the meaning of the phrase “advocates homosexual behavior.”) 

Others with greater knowledge of the Book of Church Order have pointed out that General Synod cannot initiate disciplinary proceedings against anyone, nor can it order a classis or consistory to do so; hence, from a judicial perspective R-56 S is without effect.  But I would like to see more discussion regarding the implied claim that a synod can by itself establish an “official position” which can then be enforced at any level against dissenters.  An official position (or denominational policy) does not become a “constitutional” component until it is added to the Constitution: the Forms of Unity, the Book of Church Order, and the Liturgy. 

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There is More to Do on the Issue of Homosexuality

(from Ron Citlau on the Guest Blog)

General Synod last week passed “R-56 Substitute.” It reaffirms our stance on homosexuality and calls for the formation of an eight-person committee to consider how the denomination ought to move forward. Some people think that a doctrinal assertion by the General Synod is enough and a committee of this sort is worthless. I strongly disagree. There is much more work to be done on the issue of homosexuality in our denomination. Passing R-56 was just the first step. Below are four things that this new committee must work on if it desires to move our denomination forward in helpful ways:

1) This committee needs to proclaim hope. I am grateful that the RCA has declared homosexuality a sin. This is a good first step. But it is not enough for us to say what we are against. As a denomination we must be assert gospel hope. What is the good news for those whose sexuality has been shaped by the broken culture? What is the hope for the sexual sinner? Can men and women find new life through the resurrection of Jesus? Do we believe Jesus can change lives? This must be articulated or we will be seen as insular and bigoted.

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After the fact observation

(from Leon Fikse)

I have reflected on synod now for a couple of days and want to offer an observation regarding the outcome of the "homosexual" debate. There were two rather inflexible polarities, which I will name "pro-purity" and "pro-grace". I reflected earlier that I thought they both used the Bible to club one another in what I believe were unhealthy and unhelpful methods. However, what I think I have come to realize is that the "pro-purity" party did their homework ahead of time and came more prepared. It seemed to me that they had a preplanned response to whatever happened. They thought through what might come to the floor and had a response ready immediately. As various things were presented they acted decisively and quickly.

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