It’s Sunday and Synod continues generally as expected. Yesterday groups discussed the first of the three main issues (the missional structures report and recommendations). As I write this the same groups are deliberating on the Belhar confession. Tomorrow they will discuss the Church Herald.
Last night we heard from several commissions (including the one I serve on: Worship) which didn’t have any real business, just reports. We also heard from the commission on Christian Action who brought several powerful recommendations that ended up being mired in controversy. One of which had to do with hospitality toward immigrants. There was some discussion whether to use the word “illegal” or “undocumented;” the whole thing was a little frustrating to me since, of course, it seems that Christian hospitality should have nothing AT ALL to do with one’s legal status. I don’t know how we can claim Christian faithfulness if we withhold hospitality toward those whom society prefers to ignore (i.e. those whom Jesus seems to prefer).
Another recommendation had to do with the question of the war in Iraq. Many people stood up and talked – few of whom seemed to actually be informed on the issues they were talking about. For example, there we heard the concept of “just war” referred to (interestingly someone who apparently hasn’t paid much attention to the fact that the world almost-universally recognizes that the war in Iraq does not meet the philosophical and ethical standards for a “just war.” (NOTE: Just war has nothing to do with whether we think is appropriate, but whether it meets a handful of specific criteria.)
We also heard the argument that a statement against the war is somehow a statement against those in the military which, of course, isn’t true since war (as we well know) puts the military in innumerable awful and life-threatening situations. Recognizing that, an end to war is the most loving and supportive thing we can do. I suppose people are still concerned about the reaction veterans received coming back from Vietnam and want to avoid that. This, however, is not Vietnam.
Finally, we heard from the colleges and seminaries last night. Central came off looking and sounding very good as it is currently and historically very attentive to multi-cultural issues (this year’s big theme at synod.).
As yesterday, Rev. Jacqui Lewis preached during worship this morning. I will repeat my note from yesterday that she is an exceptional preacher. Accessible to people from a variety of backgrounds/styles/ethnicities/etc. Theologically sound. Interesting. Enjoyable to listen to. I hope I can get CDs or DVDs of her messages so some of you will have the opportunity to hear her.
Grace and Peace,
`tim
As you may, or may not, have discerned from a previous post, new business brought up a concern regarding Rev. Lewis’ choice as a preacher for General Synod this year (due, presumably, to her stated position on homosexuality). The concern was whether it was appropriate to be an invited preacher with a stated position different than the stated position of synod. The policy, in case you were wondering, is that the Synod President chooses the speakers/preachers and that it is entirely up to him/her whom to choose (although, in this case, the president did consult others and there was no expectation for controversy).
In the past synod has had both preachers (and indeed executives!) with beliefs contrary to the stated positions of synod. This is really no different, and that is reflected in the following statement (approved yesterday 79.2% to 20.8%):
Hopefully this will help facilitate the healing of some of the intensely hurt feelings and caustic attitudes I’ve observed over the past couple of days!
Grace and Peace,
`tim
Preaching, for the regular worship services this year is provided by Rev. Jacqueline Lewis. Although there has been some concern about her and her congregation’s position on homosexuality (expressed in new business yesterday, and resulting in a recommendation I’ll post next) she preached this morning and I am eager to express the blessing her preaching expresses.
Regardless of your particular position on homosexuality (which, frankly isn’t the issue here), she is unquestionably one of the most accomplished preachers I’ve heard in ages. Not “one of the most accomplished African American preachers” or one of the most accomplished women preachers” – but indeed one of, if not the most accomplished preachers…period.
The message was on Acts 2 (the Pentecost story) and the biblical mandate for a multicultural, multiracial church is unquestionable. Her exhortation toward that effect powerful.
Grace and Peace,
`tim
Elder Brad Lewis, the RCA’s current president, offered his report this morning. You can read about it at:
http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=3021&srcid=2059
You can download the report at the bottom of that page. I STRONGLY recommend that you read it.  As an elder he has unique insight into the church and its leadership. He also effectively points out how important it is that ministry isn’t just done by the minister in a revitalized congregation.
Read it, you won’t regret it.
Grace and Peace,
`tim
Synod 2007 was called to order last night (Thursday) at Third Reformed Church in Pella, and business began this morning (Friday). Almost within minutes there was a little controversy. First, the traditional request for the privilege of the floor to be extended to the staff was denied (after a hand-raised vote since the electronic voting wasn’t up and running yet). That means that any time any staff member is requested to speak, a vote will have to be taken to extend the privilege of the floor to them.
Shortly after that was the opportunity for new business. The first came from South Grand Rapids asking the synod to instruct the president and general secretary to rescind their invitation to Rev. Jacqueline Lewis to be the synods preacher for the week. The president ruled the issue out of order, but the synod overruled the ruling. The second new business was the request that the president and general secretary apologize for extending the invitation. The third was a request to reinstate a General Synod policy to provide insurance for ministers who are attending an accredited graduate program. (This used to be the policy of general synod but, although I don’t think it has officially be rescinded, is apparently no longer the case. The new business is asking that it be reinstated.)
All three have been referred to the committee on reference who are responsible for determining which advisory committee is best suited to address the issue (or to determine that they don’t actually meet the requirements for being new business).
Stay tuned for more.
Grace and peace,
`tim
Wow! yesterday we had a tornado go by not far from here. I haven’t heard that there was any real damage, but JJ, Sophia and I spent about 45 minutes in the basement of the dining hall waiting for the all-clear.
Of course, it messed with the rest of the day’s schedule and created a problem for many of the delegates who were flying through Chicago (I actually heard some concerns about the potential problem of reaching a quorum!) but everyone is well and most (if not all) of the delegates made it by this morning.
Grace and Peace,
`tim
Next week Thursday (June 7, 2007) at 7:30 pm, the Reformed Church in America will officially call to order it’s 201st General Synod at Third Reformed Church in Pella, IA.
Like last year, I will be attempting to put updates and reflections up on this blog describing what’s going on and (to the extent that I have the time) what I think it means. Feel free to check back often, comment, and ask questions. I will be busier this year than last year as I’ll be facilitating the Seminarian Seminar rather than simply attending “for the fun of it” (last year synod was vacation for me!)
Chances are VERY low that I’ll be blogging anything unrelated to synod, but if you’re ONLY interested in synod stuff, you can find that directly at:
I will post further pertinent links in the coming week. For now, know that General Synod is going to be drastically different this year than any year in the past. The schedule is different, and the style of doing business is different. There are also several MAJOR issues being discussed this year (particularly: a Missional Structures Report, the Belhar Confession, and support for “Our Call” — more on them later!)
Until then – blessings!
Grace and Peace,
`tim