In its 16th session, the General Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands decided to end cooperation in the establishment of a Reformed Theological University. On the proposal of a majority of the synodal enquiry committee, the report 'Samen verder, in Zijn dienst' (Moving forward together, in His service) and the supplementary memorandum of the board consultation 'Direction for further elaboration of GTU design' were not accepted. A minority of two members of the synodal committee had proposed acceptance, but this proposal did not obtain the required 70% of votes. To manifest the widest possible support in the churches, this percentage had been agreed beforehand.
The main reason for not proceeding to acceptance lies in the fact that an important condition set by the Synod in 2013 has not been met in the present GTU draft: that the governance structure would be that of a cooperative of the three current educational institutes (TUK, TUA and NGP). Within the existing frameworks of laws and regulations, that structure proved impossible as the process progressed. The steering group (now 'the board consultation') continued to develop the plans through a new governance structure, namely that of an association. After all, the desire for a GTU had also previously been shared by the Christian Reformed Synod. In the governance model of an association, however, there is no more room for synodal (or direct-church) influence on the university. Church involvement exists solely in the appointment of members from one's own denomination to the members' council. Also in the light of the history of the Christian Reformed Churches, in which a direct connection between school and church was always particularly valued, the synod feared too much distance in the association structure.
This objection also affects the participation of members of the Reformed Union in the PKN. Because of the Bond's position in the PKN, 'Bonders' would only be able to contribute in a personal capacity anyway. In addition, the association model makes an official link between these 'Bonders' and the main board of the Reformed Union impossible. However, the synod does greatly appreciate the constructive contribution from the Reformed Union to the process.
It was not without understanding, yet also with disappointment, that the Restored Reformed Seminary did not want to participate in any way at the moment. The widening of participation desired by the Christian Reformed Synod thus remains out for the time being.
It is fair to say that trust in the two remaining partners also plays a role. One of the conditions set earlier by the Christian Reformed Synod was an assurance of Reformed scripture. The report's preamble says good things about this. But among some of our churches there is great disquiet about the Reformed-Regime Synod's recent decision-making on women and ministry. The question then arises how the theological (hermeneutical and exegetical) support of Kamper theologians should be viewed in the light of the preamble.
There is also humility at the synod. At the time, the initiative to explore the possibility of a GTU came from Apeldoorn Theological University. Of the church assemblies involved, the Christian Reformed Synod set the most far-reaching conditions. These have always been received with benevolence and processed to the best of their ability. A great deal of patience has also been asked for and exercised by the other partners in the board consultations. Synod-wide there is sincere appreciation and gratitude for this. There is deep respect for the special efforts of the direction group/management consultations. The Synod can only hope that, along new paths and with regained trust, existing theological cooperation can be continued and possibly expanded.
Read the official decision here.
