Synod 2011 elected Rev. James Dekker, Classis Niagara, as its president. Rev. George Vink, Classis Central California is vice president. Rev. Bert Slofstra, Classis British Columbia South-East, is first clerk, and Rev. Sheila Holmes, Classis Hackensack, is second clerk.
The executive of Synod 2011 (l-r): Rev. Bert Slofstra, Rev. James Dekker, Rev. George Vink, Rev. Sheila Holmes
Karen Huttenga
Dekker, Vink, and Slofstra have a lot in common: they are Canadians, and each has been a delegate at seven previous synods. All three were nominated to be officers at past synods but were never elected. “Until now it was a case of ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride,’” joked Vink.
Dekker said he was “stunned, honored, and humbled” at being chosen as chair, and later added, “I’ll have to get a tie.”
Dekker served on numerous advisory committees during past synods, as well as on the Board of Trustees of the CRCNA and the Board of Calvin Theological Seminary.
Vink has previously chaired synodical advisory committees and has served on many committees in his classis as well as on the Board of Calvin Theological Seminary.
Slofstra has chaired advisory committees at past synods and has served on the Board of Trustees of the CRCNA and the denomination’s Judicial Code Committee.
Holmes has been a delegate to synod twice and was vice president of Synod 2009. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the CRCNA and has served on numerous denominational boards and committees, including the Diversity in Leadership Planning Group, whose report will come before this year’s synod.
About the Author
Roxanne VanFarowe is a freelance writer who claims both Canadian and American citizenship and grew up in the Christian Reformed Church. She is a member of Blacknall Presbyterian Church in Durham, North Carolina.
