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.
“We’re grateful to be connected to a vision that’s bigger than us…truly a kingdom vision that only God can do,” said Carmen Means, pastor of The Movement in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“What we really needed was Transformed & Transforming. It’s not just an RCA thing. It’s a kingdom movement that’s bursting throughout the RCA.”
Throughout the week, General Synod heard how churches are taking part in Transformed & Transforming, the strategic vision that’s shaping RCA ministry through 2028. To see videos showcasing transformation within the RCA, visit www.rca.org/2015videos.
General secretary Tom De Vries challenged delegates to “think different, act different, and stand faithful” as they live and love like Jesus.
Delegates and guests worshiped together throughout General Synod, held June 11-16 on the campus of Trinity Christian College.
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 approved the formation of the special council, which will convene in early 2016 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. Delegates called for restraint in performing same-sex marriages, ordaining practicing homosexuals, separating from the denomination, and initiating judicial actions related to homosexuality.
After nearly two hours in judicial session, synod delegates affirmed the role of the classis in receiving ministers of Word and sacrament into membership.
Synod passed resolutions lamenting the Armenian Genocide 100 years ago and the ongoing persecution and violence today. Roughly 1.5 million Armenians were killed in the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1918. An ecumenical guest thanked the synod for the action. “Thank you for [the] genocide resolution voted unanimously today,” said Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian of the Eastern diocese of the Armenian Church of America. “It means so much that you stand with the worldwide Armenian church.”
Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities of Christians living and working alongside people from other religions, synod voted to form an interfaith task force.
Delegates elected elder Evan Vermeer (right) the new General Synod president and pastor Dan Gillett the new General Synod vice president. They will serve through General Synod 2016.
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