Synod delegates declined a request from Classis Toronto to reinstate a Canadian director of Chaplaincy Ministries but shone a spotlight on chaplaincy ministries on both sides of the border.
Synod directed the request for a Canadian director to the denomination’s Board of Trustees. The request argued for a revitalized Canadian identity in chaplaincy, complaining of a lack of administrative focus and representation.
Delegate Rev. Gary Van Leeuwen from Classis Toronto said, “We need to consider what has been lost. . . . Please reinstate this position and give our chaplains a voice again.”
Though delegates forwarded the request to the Board of Trustees, they added a directive. Synod asked the board to consider the leadership needs for chaplaincy ministries not only in Canada, but in the United States as well.
About the Author
Dan Postma is an occasional reporter for The Banner.
