Synod 2009 turned down a request (overture) to appoint deacons as advisers to future synods, despite the fact that several delegates said they liked the idea.
“Deacons have been treated as second-class officebearers,” said Rev. Adam Barton, Classis Holland. “We’ve been convinced in our district that there is a fundamental equality.”
“We had a great deal of sympathy for [having deacons at synod] but we did not feel it was worded correctly,” said Rev. Paul De Vries, reporter for the advisory committee that responded to the overture. “Speaking for myself, I would love to see classis or individual church councils continue to develop this idea.”
Rev. John Hoekwater, Classis Northern Illinois, agreed. “I hope that we will continue this work so that we can move past this separation that we make between word and deed.”
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.
