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General Synod 2015 met June 11-16 on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, and addressed many aspects of ministry and mission in the RCA.

General Synod 2015 met June 11-16 on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, and addressed many aspects of ministry and mission in the RCA.

Special Council Approved to Clarify Sexuality Questions

Saying that it’s time for the RCA to settle constitutional issues related to homosexuality, synod president Greg Alderman proposed a special council to develop a way forward for the RCA. Delegates debated and then approved the formation of the special council to engage with questions of human sexuality and propose a constitutional way forward for the RCA. The council, to be convened early in 2016, will be planned by five past presidents of General Synod and include 74 people from across the RCA.

Synod also implored RCA congregations, office holders, and assemblies to exercise a season of restraint until the council reports back to General Synod next year. Delegates called for restraint in performing same-sex marriages, ordaining practicing homosexuals, separating from the denomination, and initiating judicial actions related to homosexuality.

General Secretary Calls Synod to Think Different

General secretary Tom De Vries in his report challenged delegates to think about living and loving like Jesus in three new ways: to think different, act different, and stand faithful. He celebrated stories of transformation happening throughout the RCA as congregations begin to live into the ministry goals of Transformed & Transforming.

At the same time, De Vries emphasized the importance of being pastorally sensitive, and scripturally and historically faithful, as delegates tackle potentially divisive issues within the church.

Later, at a special plenary celebration of Transformed & Transforming, delegates were shown highlights of the ministry plan and heard stories of congregational transformation.

Evan Vermeer Voted President

Delegates elected Evan Vermeer the new president of the General Synod. Vermeer, an elder at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa, has served as synod vice president for the last year. He was installed during General Synod closing worship, will serve over the coming year, and will preside over General Synod 2016.

Dan Gillett Elected Vice President

Delegates elected Daniel Gillett as vice president. Gillett is lead pastor of First Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. He has served as president of Holland Classis, as a General Synod Council member, and as adjunct professor at Western Theological Seminary.

Synod Considers Judicial Business

After nearly two hours in judicial session, synod delegates affirmed the role of the classis in receiving ministers of Word and sacrament into membership. The ruling was a response to a complaint filed by three individuals from New Brunswick Classis who said the classis did not properly apply Scripture in the examination and reception of Ursula Cargill from another denomination. Cargill has historically publicly identified as homosexual.

Synod Laments Armenian Genocide

Synod passed resolutions lamenting the Armenian Genocide 100 years ago, and lamenting ongoing persecution and violence today. Roughly 1.5 million Armenians were killed in the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1918. The synod marked the occasion by “expressing our solidarity with the Armenian people, both victims and survivors; and professing our faith in the coming peaceful reign of the Lord Jesus.”

Synod Celebrates Chiapas Mission Work

Delegates celebrated the conclusion of RCA mission work in Chiapas, which over 90 years supported amazing growth of indigenous churches that are now fully self-supporting. Sixteen former missionaries shared stories from their years in Chiapas.

Synod Sets 2016 Assessment

Delegates approved a per-member assessment of $53.71, including the cost of the special council and support for denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other initiatives approved at synod. Delegates set the 2016 Partner-in-Mission share at $6,300.

In other business:

Videos, photos, and full news coverage of General Synod are available at www.rca.org/synod.