After much discussion, Synod 2025 decided to maintain its close ecumenical relationship with the Reformed Church in America, but the relationship will be reevaluated over the next five years.
For more than a decade, the relationship between the denominations has been guided by the Pella Accord, made at the joint CRC-RCA synods of 2014: that the two churches should act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of conviction compel them to act separately.
However in the past several years that relationship has come under strain due to issues surrounding human sexuality. Even though both denominations hold the same traditional position on marriage (one man, one woman), the governance model of the RCA allows local classes more leeway to apply, or not apply, denominational positions. As a result, some classes allow people living in same-sex relationships to serve as officebearers, something the CRC does not allow.
Eddy Alemán, RCA general secretary, told Synod 2025: “We have not moved away from our historical stance, but we decided together to live in the tension, the messy middle.”
For some, that’s part of the concern of an ongoing “communion” relationship. Brittany Clark, Classis Grand Rapids North, said, “While they (the RCA) live in the tension, we are not able to do so.”
Several delegates told stories of how blessed they have been by working with RCA churches. Rod Hugen, Classis Arizona, spoke of how his classis had an empty church building and the local RCA classis had gifted church planters and as a result they were able to start a new ministry.
The relationship between the two denominations involves many such local ministry partnerships, including union churches that belong to both denominations, and permission for ministers to serve in each other’s churches. At the denominational level, World Renew’s disaster response program is supported by both denominations and the RCA and CRC have collaborated in ministry with and for people with disabilities.
The review of the relationship will be conducted by the CRC’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee. Included will be a review of those ministry partnerships and whether RCA clergy have been, or are being, permitted to solemnize same-sex marriages, or to themselves remain in same-sex marriages or romantic partnerships, while remaining ministers in good standing.
Philip Bergman, Classis North Cascades, said the five-year timeline is necessary. “The RCA is undergoing a shift in policy, combining two layers of governance and holding its synod only every three years. We need to see how that settles.” Other delegates noted that it would take some time to unwind many of the joint ventures if that becomes necessary.
The situation at the local level might also change in many places. As more conservative churches leave the RCA, the practices of the classes might shift. Many of the conservative congregations leaving the RCA have joined the Alliance of Reformed Churches, with whom the CRC is seeking a closer relationship. At the same time many CRC ministers, unable to remain in the CRC after its settled confessional position on human sexuality, are joining the RCA.
During the period of review synod urges caution in forming new union churches lest that cause future difficulties. Synod also declared that RCA ministers serving in the CRC must sign the Covenant for Officebearers affirming their agreement with the CRC’s confessional commitments.
Synod 2025, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting June 13-19 on the campus of Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont. Find daily coverage from The Banner at TheBanner.org/synod. Visit crcna.org/synod for the agenda, advisory reports, recordings of plenary sessions, and to subscribe to the daily Synod News email.