Synod 2026 received the report of a task force that recommended procedures for the discipline of officebearers. The task force resulted from confusion about how or if a church council or classis can be disciplined by a broader assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, namely synod. Its report came out in October.
Synod took note that while the report was about discipline, the deeper concern is how the denomination sustains its covenantal relationships among local churches, classes, and synod. “Discipline and accountability are not merely procedural but expressions of our shared covenant identity within the CRCNA,” read the report.
Synod recommended the task force report to the churches as a guide in the application of discipline by the major assemblies. It added wording to the Church Order Supplement, Article 27-b, stating that when necessary for the well-being of the churches, a classis or synod may guide discipline to a local council or classes even if not requested. “Maintaining accountability may include steps of special discipline,” which include suspension or deposition, according to the adopted report. A church or classis that does not comply would be considered to have de facto disaffiliated from the denomination.
Synod added to Church Order Article 83 provisions for exceptional circumstances when a church’s own classis may suspend and depose officebearers even when such action has not been initiated by the church’s council.
Synod noted that “officebearers have a high level of responsibility to the church and therefore a high level of accountability as well. In situations where officebearers are violating the covenant they agreed to follow, they must be held accountable for the good of the church.”
Several delegates spoke in favor of the changes. Ralph Wigboldus, Classis Ontario Southwest, said, “Churches need to govern themselves, and if they don’t, they ought to be disciplined.”
Others were concerned about overreach and compromising existing Church Order. Justin Roukema, Classis B.C. South-East, said making these additions would be “changing the nature of the assemblies, which is a huge, big deal and not in keeping with the basic principles of the Church Order. ... Discipline needs to start at the local church. ... If we allow a classis or synod to look over their heads, we’ve undone an entire process. ... Classis and synod can guide discipline, but they can’t begin discipline.”
Brandon Haan, Classis Grandville, said he was also concerned about maintaining the authority of the local council, but he’s satisfied because there is opportunity for appeal to the next classis or synod.
Changes to the Church Order must be ratified by a subsequent synod. Changes to the supplement can be adopted by a single synod.
In a related matter, synod said that the mandate for the general secretary to help churches navigate limited suspensions of officebearers not in compliance with the CRC's teaching on sexual ethics is complete. It was part of special circumstances of the past few years and is no longer necessary.
Note: This story was updated 12:15 a.m. June 18 to fix a misheard quote attributed to Justin Roukema. The principle he was conveying is that a classis and/or synod may guide discipline, but they may not begin it; that has to begin with a local consistory.
Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting June 12-18 on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Go to crcna.org/synod for the livestream, photos, reports, and a live blog of synod proceedings and decisions. Find daily news and our video Synod Recap at thebanner.org/synod.