» News: CRC Synod Summary

The Christian Reformed Church (CRC) completed its Synod Friday at Calvin College. The CRC has conveniently posted a summary of the major decisions of its Synod here. Some highlights that may be of interest to RN readers:

1. Synod approved plans for a new hymnal to replace the Psalter-Hymnal
2. Synod voted to remove the word "male" from its requirements for holding ecclesiastical office.
3. Any CRC congregation may now ordain women as ministers, elders, deacons, or ministry associates.
4. A provision was added allowing that delegates to classis or synod who believe that including women delegates is in violation of the Word of God may record their protest officially
5. A report about "third-wave" pentecostalism was recommitted for further study.
6. Synod approved the ESV (English Standard Version) of the Bible for ministry and worship use
7. Synod repented for past "racist values" evident in some of its decision-making
8. Synod appointed a study committee to consider paedocommunion
9. Synod voted to dissuade congregations from practicing infant dedication and reaffirmed commitment to infant baptism.