Deputies representing the churches have sent the following letter to the church councils with answers to frequently asked questions about the Hoogeveen Synod.
As churches, we are living in confusing times. There is a great deal of uncertainty about the future of our church association. In some churches, people seem to be able to wait calmly, while elsewhere there is pressure to make decisions now. This causes tension within church councils and congregations. We also see initiatives on the fringes of our denomination that confirm or deepen divisions and could set irreversible processes in motion. All this fills deputies with concern, but also with a desire to serve unity. The Lord calls us to be one in Him and to strive to preserve unity wherever and for as long as possible. Without denying that it is necessary to honestly face and resist sin and error.
Deputies remain convinced that the general synod of Hoogeveen is the appropriate occasion to review the situation. In accordance with church order, decisions can be made there about the future of our church association. It is our prayer that all 181 Christian Reformed churches will be represented there.
We understand the questions surrounding this issue and provide some answers below.
When will the synod take place?
Normally, the DV synod would open in June 2027. Some classes have since adopted instructions to convene a synod earlier. According to the church order (Art. 50), this is indeed possible. Two private synods can submit a request to this effect, after which the convening church – with the permission of its private synod – sets a date. In doing so, the necessary preparation time and the process of electing delegates must be taken into account, which is not easy in the current situation.
What will be on the agenda?
The churches themselves set the agenda by submitting instructions via the classis. Deputations will report on their activities and files from the previous synod that have not yet been discussed will be returned. At the close of the previous synod, it was stated that these should be discussed at the next synod. Requests for revision or objections may also be discussed. How all this relates in principle and in terms of the agenda to the fundamental difficulties in our church association is a matter for the synod meeting, although deputies are already considering this in a spirit of service.
If, contrary to expectations, some of the churches do not send representatives to the synod in Hoogeveen, will this affect the decision-making process?
Delegates serve the churches as a whole, including churches that are not represented. At the beginning of each synod, all delegates affirm their agreement with the Reformed confession. They are bound by Scripture and confession and by church order.
Decisions are considered final and binding if no appeal is lodged against them or if the appeal process has been exhausted. The latter applies to decisions concerning homosexual relationships and women in office. The fact that there may be representatives of church councils who deviate from synodical decisions is a complicating factor that highlights the serious difficulties facing our church association at synod level. This must be discussed carefully, but does not invalidate existing decisions.
Have the deputies already spoken with the steering group of the convention?
We have indicated that we would like to meet with the steering group in December. This will allow us to discuss matters in light of the developments following the follow-up convention on 29 November and give the newly appointed deputies an opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new roles.
How to deal with churches that no longer see a future within the association?
Deputies recognise that this reality exists and experience it with sadness and respect. At the same time, we insist that even if someone leaves the church, the church order must be followed. This is not merely a formal rule, but a way of doing justice and preserving unity wherever possible.
The Hoogeveen route is not easy and may require more patience and perseverance than other routes. Nevertheless, we ask church councils to consider whether this more difficult path is not most in line with what Scripture and confession teach about the church and what we have agreed upon in our church order. Patience with each other as churches, but also within local congregations. This requires a spirit of reverence and humility, calmness in our thoughts, slowness in our judgements, and caution in our words. We do not all possess these qualities naturally. But do we not recognise in them the fruit of the Spirit, which He takes from the Lord Jesus and gives to His believers? And how much patience does He have with us?
What encourages us and keeps us going is the faithful knowledge that Christ will not abandon His church—even when we sometimes find it difficult to understand one another. We trust that He will guide us on a path where truth and love can go hand in hand. After all, this is why He Himself asked His Father, in His moving prayer, for the unity of His own.
United in Him, we wish you strength and wisdom in all your work.
With brotherly greetings,
On behalf of the deputation representing churches,
Rev. J. Oosterbroek
