Dear Rose Park,
General Synod is both an event and a body of people. The event is a once-a-year gathering that shapes the direction of the denomination. The body of people who gather for the annual event make up one of the four assemblies of the Reformed Church in America. From June 9-14, delegates from around the U.S. and Canada will come together in Pella, Iowa, for General Synod. They will worship together, fellowship, and deliberate and vote on many things related to the RCA’s ministry.
The above comes directly from the Reformed Church in America’s website (www.rca.org). Tomorrow, delegates from all over the U.S and Canada will descend upon Pella, Iowa for General Synod. As they prepare, I’d ask you to keep the entire denomination in your prayers. There is a lot happening in our denomination and a general sense of worry and anxiety about her future. Some of the anticipated business for this years General Synod include the ordination process of ministers of Word and Sacrament and Western Theological Seminary’s affiliation with the denomination as well as recommendations from various commissions, boards, and agencies regarding potential divisions and departures within the denomination.
It’s fair to say, there is a sense of grief and loss in the denomination. There will be some individuals, families and churches who will leave the RCA because of the decisions made and the visions cast at General Synod. It worries me to set the precedent of departure when disagreement settles in, but it seems like these departures are inevitable. To be quite honest, it doesn’t sit well with me at all and it pains me to think of the example we are setting for the next-generation who is watching us handle these disputes.
At the same time, I recognize disputes and disagreements are normal in families; it’s my hope and prayer that in the midst of this tension we might still embrace one another as members of God’s family. On that note, it seems appropriate to end this letter in a similar way it began, with words from the RCA website:
When church leaders gather at General Synod, it’s a reminder that your part in the family of God is not just your local church. Connections and relationships across the wider church run deep and are celebrated as old friends see each other and new relationships are sparked.
Pray for the Reformed Church in America. Pray for the family of God.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark
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