A small church denomination based in Kalamazoo, Mich., is seeking denominational unity with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Believers of Grace—U.S. has about 200 congregations.
Rev. George Regen, moderator of Believers of Grace, explained that his denomination has always admired the Christian Reformed Church’s stance on social issues and is particularly delighted with the report of the synodical committee on war and peace that’s coming to Synod 2006.
Regen wrote to the CRC’s Interchurch Relations Committee to open talks on denominational unity. He cautioned that there are still several hurdles to overcome, particularly differences in the respective denominations’ understanding of Canons of Dort III/IV, Article 12 (“Regeneration a Supernatural Work”).
Rev. Ben DeRoels, chair of the IRC, is enthusiastic about the possible merger. “For the sake of unity, we need to show some flexibility in our doctrines,” he said.
DeRoels said the IRC is fast-tracking talks with the other denomination so that the possible merger will make it onto the agenda of Synod 2006 in June.
