The restructuring of the Christian Reformed Church’s governance structure was high on the agenda when the Board of Trustees met on September 24-25. The board conducts the business of synod (the annual leadership meeting of the church) when synod is not in session.
Following Synod 2015’s approval of the transition from a 30-member board to a 60-member council of delegates, to be implemented over the next few years, transition committees have been appointed. Board members also took part in a training session on policy governance.
The board approved a $75,000 study to explore possibilities for renovation and expansion of the Burlington, Ont., offices of the CRC.
On matters related to The Banner, the Board adopted an addition to the conflict resolution policy as directed by Synod 2015, namely, that the Banner editor retains the right to appeal to synod should he or she disagree with a Board of Trustees decision regarding The Banner.
The board adopted a recommendation by the Banner Advisory Council (BAC) that the July/August issues continue to be combined. The board also took note of a BAC recommendation that the board apply the open meeting policy to the executive committee of the Council of Delegates. The open meeting policy means a representative of The Banner may be present for the meetings except when the board moves into executive session.
The board suggested to the planning committee of Synod 2016 that it consult with the task force studying the Doctrine of Christian Discovery to use Christian liturgy and practices of indigenous North American peoples, including the sharing circle format, whenever practical, and to include indigenous representatives in leading such exercises.
About the Author
Gayla Postma retired as news editor for The Banner in 2020.
