June 14, 2005

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Synod of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) decided today to send a synodical committee to investigate the position of the council of First CRC, Toronto (Ont.) regarding persons living in same-sex relationships.

The committee is mandated to seek a response from the church council to allegations raised against it over this issue, and to determine if the church is in compliance with the Christian Reformed Church's position on homosexuality.

It is to report to the meeting of Classis Toronto in September and to make recommendations to classis for deliberation and action. The committee was given a mandate to convene a combined meeting of the four area classes – Quinte, Huron, Hamilton and Toronto – if necessary to assist it in dealing with the issues. It is to bring a report to Synod 2006 about its actions and recommendations.

Synod's action came at the end of a long and frequently impassioned discussion in which some delegates appealed for synod not to act hastily or harshly, and others said synod has waited long enough and must take action for the welfare of the whole denomination.

The action arises from a decision by the council of First CRC, Toronto in 2002 that it would allow persons living in committed, same-sex relationships to serve as officebearers in the congregation. When Classis Toronto urged the church to rescind the decision, the council agreed to hold off implementing it to provide an opportunity for dialogue.

However, synod heard that, despite a mandate from Synod 2004 to investigate, the classis has not succeeded in resolving the issue. As a result, Classis Illiana sent an overture to Synod 2005 asking it to depose the minister and elders of First CRC, Toronto.

Delegates were told that while Reformed church polity gives synod the authority to intervene in the affairs of a congregation, such action is employed only as a last resort.

In other actions, synod approved a proposal to allow the exchange of ministers between the CRC and the Reformed Church in America.

Christian Reformed Church