Jose Rayas is the first Hispanic pastor to be elected president of the synod of the Christian Reformed Church, and Harold Caicedo noted other “historic” moments at the general assembly.

Delegates to Synod 2022 voted 74% in favor of upholding the Christian Reformed Church’s traditional stance regarding homosexuality and same-sex relationships. It still has to decide whether to give the decision confessional status.

Synod delegates walked from their session to dinner through a group of more than 100 people waving rainbow flags and singing.

Synod 2022 prefaced its discussion of human sexuality with prayers of lament and grief.

Seeing the confessions held by the Christian Reformed Church as clear on the teaching of the cross, Synod 2022 determined denying it is “a serious deviation” in doctrine.

Synod 2022 closed its discussion of the 2020 human sexuality report to outside viewers, with the goal to limit distractions and undue influence.

Identical twins Dale and Dwayne Nienhuis get to experience a day at synod together.

Twenty-seven years after the Christian Reformed Church recognized two biblical positions on women in church office, synod still experiences some tension.

With a video and a presentation of some denominational history by women’s leadership developer Elaine May, Synod 2022 marked 25 years (plus 2) of women’s ordination.

Synod 2022 received 23 candidates for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church, greeting and praying for 11 of them in person.

The Christian Reformed Church’s Synod 2022 addressed three matters connected to the CRC’s relationship with the Reformed Church in America.

New professor Wilson de Angelo Cunha said he loves the Old Testament because it “addresses life gone wrong. … The God who defeated chaos once can defeat it again.”

Mary Ann Stronk, breakfast and lunch check-in person at the main dining hall where Synod 2022 is meeting, says “My goal is to make people’s day better.”

Hope Zigterman, a young adult representative to the Christian Reformed Church’s synod, is happy to have her mom, Bonnie, also in Grand Rapids, Mich., as an elder delegate.

Hyung Jun Kim, Darlene Silversmith, and John Sideco are serving as ethnic advisers at Synod 2022.

Seven lawyers are at Synod 2022, the general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, and using their experience to offer insight.

Six young adult representatives are excited to see what will happen at Synod 2022.

Synod 2022 acted to help Christian Reformed churches respond to abuse allegations more effectively.

Leo Jonker, an elder delegate from Classis Quinte, is at his second synod of the Christian Reformed Church.

Future Christian Reformed Church synods might allow classes to delegate four representatives without specifically filling all three offices of the church.

“It’s overwhelming, but I also feel like it’s an honor to be here,” said Marilyn Stulen, a deacon from Classis Lake Superior.

Pastor Rebecca Jordan Heys offered a prayer for the transition of presidents for Calvin University as Michael Le Roy retires.