General Synod Daily Recap: Thursday, June 5, 2025

General Synod opens with worship

 “Reassert our commitment to follow Jesus in the world so that the world might come to know God’s salvation, reconciliation, and transformation available to any one who is willing to put their faith and trust in Jesus.”

Rev. Dr. Paul Glover, Flatlands Reformed Church, Brooklyn, New York, (preaching on Revelation 7:9)

Watch Opening Worship

Orientation and hospitality

On the evening of June 5, 2025, General Synod president Rev. Joshua Scheid called to order the 218th session of General Synod.

After delegates received a brief orientation and an overview of the rules of order, they considered the first motion of the Executive Committee of General Synod to approve the agenda, which was approved with one dissenting vote. This was followed by an opportunity for the assembly to bring forward any new business to be considered, but none was brought forward by the delegation. 

Delegates then participated in an Equity-Based Hospitality Training, facilitated by Rev. Liz Testa and Rev. Joshua Scheid. Equity-based hospitality is embracing the biblical practice of welcoming both friends and strangers in generous, kind, respectful, flexible, barrier-free ways. This training is designed to help the Reformed Church in America live deeper into its call to be a Revelation 7:9 church, living into a multicultural, multiracial future freed from racism, sexism, and ableism. Today’s workshop was the first of four that will take place throughout the synod.

The General Synod will begin a significant slate of work on Friday morning, beginning with the report of the general secretary. 

This year’s General Synod is taking place at The Westin La Paloma, the same location as the 2024 General Synod.