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Classis In The News

TORONTO CHURCH WITHDRAWS CONTROVERSIAL LETTER

By Sophie Vandenberg

By strong consensus of its members, First Christian Reformed Church of Toronto has decided to with­draw an open letter distributed to Classis Toronto in 2002. The letter advised classis of First CRC's intent to allow gay and lesbian members, including those living in committed relationships, to be nom­inated for all elected church offices.

In a letter to Classis Toronto dated April 19, the council of First CRC wrote, "Based on the reactions we have received in the classis and, in particular, the resulting overtures, communications, and appeals to Synod 2004, the congregation feels that the posi­tion which it adopted [previously] requires further reflection and discussion inside the congregation before being published."

The letter further stated, "We suspect that we ourselves, by our unilateral ecclesiastical proce­dures, may have made it difficult for the classis or denomination to discuss this sensitive and complex topic without having a rancorous, polarizing, and divisive debate. The congregation sincerely regrets that it has adversely affected the peace and unity of the denomination."

In January 2003, Classis Toronto approved an overture urging First CRC to rescind its decision coupled with a request that the churches enter into a caring dialogue to find a way to stay at the same table. In the spring of 2003 First CRC stated that they were willing to defer nominating gay and les­bian members to church office.

A special meeting of Classis Toronto in June 2003 allowed the congregation to postpone till September 2004 their response to classis's request that they rescind, giving First CRC time to compile a document articulating its position from a biblical perspective. Henry Hofstra, chair of council at First CRC, said that this document is progressing well and is currently in its second draft. Synod 2004 has meanwhile received two overtures, a communica­tion, and an appeal regarding the actions of First CRC. "We've certainly been very concerned about the reaction. We thought long and hard about that," said Hofstra.

The April 19 letter was to be discussed at the regularly scheduled May meeting of Classis Toronto.

From The Banner, June 2004.  Used by permission.

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