Christian Reformed Church to reexamine ties to Reformed Church in America

Delegates to the Christian Reformed Church in North America’s annual general assembly meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., this week asked an internal committee to discuss several key questions for the Reformed Church in America. The two denominations are closely linked and stem from the Dutch Reformation.

During the CRCNA’s Synod 2024, delegates instructed the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee to discuss the denomination’s relationship to the RCA and produce a report by March 2025. The synod requested clarification from the RCA on its commitment to uphold Biblical doctrine regarding homosexuality. It also questioned whether RCA clergy have been or are permitted to bless same-sex unions or engage in homosexual relationships while in ministry. The CRCNA holds that explicit homosexual practice is incompatible with obedience to the will of God as expressed in Scripture.

How are the two denominations connected? Both churches have their roots in the Dutch Reformation but were founded in the United States at different times. The RCA began in 1628 in what was then New Amsterdam and is now New York City, while the CRCNA was established in 1857 when a group of four churches seceded from the RCA.

In 2014, the denominations held their first joint synod session and adopted the Pella Accord to act together, except when compelled to act separately by deep differences of conviction.

What has happened in the RCA? Dozens of churches left the denomination in 2021 after the General Synod in October of that year said that individual churches could make their own decisions regarding their stance on ordaining LGBTQ individuals and same-sex marriage. Many of those churches have joined the Alliance of Reformed Churches. Going back to December 2019, nearly 250 churches have left the RCA or begun the process of leaving, according to Religion News Service. Fewer than 700 congregations remain in the RCA.

What happened during the RCA Synod? The RCA held its annual gathering in Tucson, Ariz., earlier this month. During the meeting, delegates approved several restructuring recommendations intended to condense regional groups of churches, concentrate financial resources, and reduce the frequency of in-person General Synods to every three years instead of every year. 

Dig deeper: Read Mary Jackson’s report in WORLD Magazine about how protestant churches are being gutted by the push to accept homosexuality.