Classis In The News

CRC church apologizes for gay election proposal:

By Morgan Jarema 

A Toronto Christian Reformed Church that raised discord with a proposal to elect practicing gays as ministers and officers has withdrawn that plan and apologized for it.

Classis Toronto last week unanimously accepted First CRC's withdrawal and apology for that request. The communication read, in part, "We acknowledge their regret that they have 'adversely affected the peace and unity of the CRC.'"

The classis accepted the withdrawal and a previous apology, it wrote, because "First CRC Toronto admits its 'irresponsibility' in their presentation to classis" and that the church "apologizes for making these complex issues of ministry to and with those who are homosexual 'a rancorous and divisive debate.'"

The Rev. Nick Overduin, pastor of the 170-member First CRC of Toronto, which proposed the election of gays, said in a written statement that, "I had been worried that Synod 2004 would feel some tension and anguish, but my heart has become full of joy about the possibility that Synod 2004 might now experience some genuine spiritual peace."

In 2002, First CRC of Toronto voted in favor of allowing gay and lesbian members "living in committed relationships" to be eligible for election to ecclesiastical offices such as pastor, elder or minister.

The church faced being expelled from the CRC, which considers homosexual relations a sin. Expulsion was averted by a letter from First CRC, in which church leaders said they regretted having taken action without first consulting the classis. The church pledged not to nominate any gay officers and asked to prepare a biblically- based proposal for classis consideration.

First CRC's decision worried other Christian Reformed churches in the area. Church members feared their plan would touch off a "rancorous, polarizing and divisive debate" in the Grand Rapids- based CRC.

The issue provoked calls by other churches for the CRC Synod to impose sharp discipline on the church.

In 1973, the North American Synod, which covers Canada and the United States, stated celibate gay and lesbian members could qualify for church offices, but engaging in any form of same-sex activity was sinful and precluded such involvement.

From The Grand Rapids Press. The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Mich.: May 29, 2004.  pg. B.2