General Synod Daily Recap: Sunday, June 8, 2025

“God chose purposefully that Pentecost day to begin to lay the foundation to bring unity among the people; people from various nations and languages joined the body of Christ, the church, on that day,” Rev. Narayana Rendla said. “Until that time, the gospel is going and reaching to the ends of the earth and many people from many languages and nations are joining in that body of Christ. The unity happening, the union is taking place. I praise God.”

General secretary prays for God’s peace in Los Angeles

Before General Synod began its business Sunday evening, RCA general secretary Rev. Eddy Alemán shared his personal connection to the community in Los Angeles affected by the clash between protestors and law enforcement. Protestors were demonstrating against the actions of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and violence has erupted. In his prayer, Rev. Alemán said, “Today I pray for Paramount and Los Angeles… Lord, bring your peace to our nation, to our immigrant communities in the US, and the blessing of your presence.”

The RCA partners with World Relief to respond to the global migration crisis around the world 

The Center for Multiplication and Ministry, RCA Global Mission, and World Relief will form a cohort of up to 30 congregations who hope to learn how to help immigrants and refugees in their communities. This collaborative partnership was announced Sunday, June 8 at an afternoon lecture during general synod and will begin later in the year. The workshop included personal stories of immigration by Rev. Hanoi Avila, Chief Ministry Officer for the RCA, and Daniel Yang, National Director for Churches of Welcome, which is an initiative of the organization World Relief. The workshop featured an invitation for congregations to respond to the demographic shifts happening within American denominations like the Assemblies of God denomination, which has reported growth over the past three decades – this growth is primarily attributed to the inclusion of latino and hispanic leaders. 

For up to 30 congregations and leaders interested in participating in the year-long learning opportunity with World Relief, the RCA will cover the $250 cost. “If your congregation isn’t quite ready for this opportunity we have other ways too.” JJ TenClay, RCA Missionary, explained. “June 20 is World Refugee day and you can learn more about how to celebrate this time through our world refugee toolkit.”

Ecumenical guests bring greetings to General Synod

On Sunday, June 8, the synod welcomed five representatives from RCA ecumenical partners to the stage. Words of encouragement and greetings were brought by Rev. José Rayas, (Christian Reformed Church in North America), Rev. Jihyun Oh (Presbyterian Church [U.S.A].), Rev. Jonathan Linman (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (National Council of Churches), and Dr. Monica Pierce (Christian Churches Together). 

“It has been my joy to connect with many of you over meals, and to learn of common connections across our denominations, and also points of uniqueness and how we are showing up as parts of the larger body of Christ―the church universal,” shared Rev. Oh. “As a stated clerk, I have especially appreciated the respectful and thoughtful debate on church order. I have been heartened to be part of this general synod and to listen and learn as you all wrestle with the question of what it means to be a church in this particular time and place because we in the PC(U.S.A.) … are asking the same questions for ourselves.”

“I think our parallel experiences are expressions of the Holy Spirit guiding us now into all truth on parallel tracks and it being and doing church for the sake of the world,” said Rev. Linman.

The General Synod also heard the report of the RCA’s Commission on Christian Unity.

Two nominated as vice president of General Synod 

General Synod nominated two candidates for vice president on Sunday, June 8. The candidates are Brad Prince and Jael Serrano-Altamirano. 

The newest synod vice president will be elected Monday, June 9 and will be installed during closing worship. Candidates for vice president have until the Monday afternoon session to discern if they wish to let their name stand or be withdrawn from consideration. Election to the office of vice president is a three-year commitment to the work of the General Synod. After serving at the pleasure of or in the absence of the president in the first year, the vice president is typically the sole nominee for president the following year.