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General Synod 2023

Annual Meeting

June 8-13, 2023
Pella, Iowa

In its annual meeting, the General Synod sets the direction and tone for denominational ministry. It has authority in all matters relating to denominational program and policy. It also has general responsibility over all lower assemblies (regional synods, classes, and consistories).

Watch the 2023 recorded sessions

Latest Synod News

NewsRestructuring Team
August 31, 2023

Restructuring Team Roundtable Meetings This Fall Seek to Engage and Gather More Feedback

This fall, the RCA restructuring team will hold a series of 17 gatherings around the U.S. and Canada, concluding with a denomination-wide virtual meeting with the same content. The goal of…
NewsRestructuring Team
August 17, 2023

Restructuring Team Shares Feedback Received at Spring Roundtables and General Synod

In the restructuring team’s ongoing effort to keep the denomination informed and engaged in our work, we are sharing another update regarding the feedback received from the spring roundtable gatherings…
General SynodNews
June 13, 2023

General Synod 2023 News Summary

Here's a summary of the major decisions, themes, and conversations at the RCA's 2023 General Synod in Pella, Iowa, June 8-13.
General SynodNews
June 12, 2023

Changes to Theological Education in the RCA

Changes are afoot in theological education. On Friday, the General Synod ratified amendments to the Book of Church Order (BCO) that define the roles of the classis and the theological…

Synod Workbook

The document guide General Synod uses during the event.

View 2023 workbook

Recommendations

An up-to-date list of all recommendations being voted on.

View 2023 Recommendations

Journals

Detailed recordings of the events of General Synod.

View 2023 Journals

The General Synod—

The governing body of the RCA

General Synod membership is made up of minister and elder representatives from each classis and regional synod. In its annual meeting, the General Synod sets the direction and tone for denominational ministry. It has authority in all matters relating to denominational program and policy. It also has general responsibility over all lower assemblies (regional synods, classes, and consistories).

Learn about the General Synod

Minutes of General Synod

The acts and proceedings from each year are recorded in the Minutes of General Synod, including reports and recommendations.

View past meeting minutes

General Synod Statements

General Synod papers provide guidance to the members of the church and are a part of the church’s witness in society.

View past synod statements