Synod expressed its thanks to Rev. William Koopmans and Rev. Peter Borgdorff for their work on the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee (EIRC), especially in their efforts to help the denomination study the Belhar Confession.
Rev. Peter Borgdorff (left) and Rev. William Koopmans were thanked for their work on the Belhar Confession.
Photo: Karen Huttenga
Koopmans has been the chair of the EIRC for the past five years.
“[Rev. Koopmans] completes six years of very, very good service on the EIRC,” said Rev. Bruce Persenaire, vice president of Synod 2012. “Being our spokesperson, being our host and our greeter—I just want to say thank you to William for your fine service to synod and the EIRC.”
Koopmans, in turn, expressed thanks to Borgdorff on behalf of the church. Persenaire described Borgdorff as the “champion of the Belhar.”
“I’m so thankful for how he facilitated the work of the EIRC through all of that time. He represented his material with clarity, but he always did it with grace [and] respect for people who differed from him,” said Koopmans.
“[Peter’s] leadership was more than capable, more than outstanding. I would say it was excellent,” he said, drawing laughter from delegates because synod had debated the use of the word “excellent” in describing the Belhar.
Synod heartily applauded both men.
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About the Author
Ryan Struyk was a former Banner news correspondent for classes Grand Rapids South and Thornapple Valley.
