On Friday 21 June, the first session day of the General Synod took place.
Rev Den Butter opens the first session day of GS 2024 with Bible reading and reflection from Revelation 1.
After examination of the letters of charge, the election of the moderation committee was held. After several rounds of voting, the composition of the moderation committee is as follows:
President: Rev P.D.J. Buijs
Assessor: Rev A. van der Zwan
Scriba I: Rev J. Oosterbroek
Scriba II: Rev A.D. Fokkema
There will be another round of voting later this day, as the synod believes that a fifth moderator is desirable, given the large workload of the moderation committee. Rev Van Gent is elected second assessor.
During the evening session of this first long day of session, there will be another important discussion in view of the deadlock and major tensions within our church body.
In its report, the preparatory convention working group recommended that a commission be set up, with the main task of organising a synodal conversation on the foundations of our churchhood. Such a conversation calls for thorough preparation by the committee yet to be appointed.
A report to be prepared should be ready in time for it to be discussed at a reflection day, preferably to be held in October 2024, prior to the first session week.
The conclusions of that day of reflection will then have to be discussed in the first session week (November 2024).
Rev. A.A.L. Aalderink
