Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 14:02:11 -0400 (EDT) From: Darrell128@aol.com Subject: NR 97069: RCA General Synod Convenes Today NR #1997-069: Reformed Church in America General Synod to Debate Mission Statement, Salvation Apart from Christ, Formula of Agreement, Standards for Professional Ministry; "Formula of Agreement" may lead to Lutheran-Reformed reconciliation, but opponents warn against closer connection with ordained homosexuals in United Church of Christ When the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America convenes today on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, its early votes will be mostly procedural. Next week, however, the 312,000-member denomination may become the mouse that roared by vetoing a proposed "Formula of Agreement" between the RCA and three of the largest mainline denominations in the United States. This summer, the broadest assemblies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church (USA), and Reformed Church in America will vote on the Formula of Agreement which would establish "full communion" between the four denominations. Supporters argue it would be a step toward healing a four-century-old breach between the Lutheran and Reformed traditions that dates back to the Reformation. Opponents argue it would signal approval of the United Church of Christ's support for gay marriages and that the UCC -- the result of a 1961 merger of the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches with the General Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, a mostly German denomination that once had close ties to the mostly Dutch RCA -- has long since departed from Reformed theology. The formula of agreement requires approval by all four denominations, which means the RCA could kill the proposal simply by being the first denomination to vote. Other major issues before the denomination will include a revote on a proposal to require all ministers and churches to concur that salvation is through Christ alone, sparked by the conflict over the views of Rev. Richard Rhem of Christ Community Church of Spring Lake, Michigan, a denominational mission and vision statement, and a report on standards for professional ministry. NR #1997-069: For Immediate Release Reformed Church in America General Synod to Debate Mission Statement, Salvation Apart from Christ, Formula of Agreement, Standards for Professional Ministry * "Formula of Agreement" may lead to Lutheran-Reformed reconciliation, but opponents warn against closer connection with ordained homosexuals in United Church of Christ by Darrell Todd Maurina, Press Officer United Reformed News Service (June 14, 1997) URNS -- When the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America convenes today on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, its early votes will be mostly procedural. Next week, however, the 312,000-member denomination may become the mouse that roared by vetoing a proposed "Formula of Agreement" between the RCA and three of the largest mainline denominations in the United States. Other major issues before the denomination will include a revote on a proposal to require all ministers and churches to concur that salvation is through Christ alone, sparked by the conflict over the views of Rev. Richard Rhem of Christ Community Church of Spring Lake, Michigan, a denominational mission and vision statement, and a report on standards for professional ministry. This summer, the broadest assemblies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church (USA), and Reformed Church in America will vote on the Formula of Agreement which would establish "full communion" between the four denominations. Supporters argue it would be a step toward healing a four-century-old breach between the Lutheran and Reformed traditions that dates back to the Reformation. Opponents argue it would signal approval of the United Church of Christ's support for gay marriages and that the UCC -- the result of a 1961 merger of the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches with the General Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, a mostly German denomination that once had close ties to the mostly Dutch RCA -- has long since departed from Reformed theology. The formula of agreement requires approval by all four denominations, which means the RCA could kill the proposal simply by being the first denomination to vote. The issue of whether the Reformed Church in America should enter into "full communion" with the only mainline denomination in the United States that officially approves the ordination of practicing homosexuals and whose 1991 General Synod declared that the denomination "boldly affirms, celebrates, and embraces the gifts of ministry of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons" has raised questions throughout the RCA. The RCA's second-largest regional unit, the Classis of South Grand Rapids, approved an overture from University Reformed Church of East Lansing, Michigan, that was later adopted by the Regional Synod of the Great Lakes arguing that "for the RCA to join in with those who approve of what the RCA believes to be contrary to the will of God compromises and hinders the RCA's witness for Jesus Christ." "We believe that the issue is so pressing in our day that it is an illegitimate approach to argue that a public, publicized relationship should be affirmed with the United Church of Christ because, in the meantime, 'mutual affirmation and admonition' can continue," stated the overture. "The issues that divide us are too profound, and 'mutual affirmation and admonition' must not be used as a smoke screen for delay so that the Formula of Agreement can be approved." However, according to the South Grand Rapids overture, the problems with the United Church of Christ shouldn't derail closer relations with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. While urging rejection of the Formula of Agreement in its current form, the overture also asks the RCA General Synod to adopt all seven points of "full communion" with the ELCA. "We recognize that, in deference to Lutheran tradition, such a formal action may need to be taken with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America," stated the overture. "But we believe it is unwise to take such a formal action with the UCC at this time." RCA pastor Rev. Patrick Shetler, author of the failed overture to require annual reaffirmation that salvation is through Christ alone, said the Formula of Agreement would "definitely" be the biggest issue on the synodical agenda. "I think there's going to be a lot of heat and very little light. The liberal element and the conservative element in the RCA have really not learned to talk to each other yet because their theological presuppositions are really so different from one another," said Shetler. "The people who want the passage of the formula don't know how to speak to the conservatives to change their minds; they're going to speak to John 17 about the unity of the church, but that's old rhetoric and it's not going to change anything. The conservatives are going to stand up, quote the Bible, make reference to Sodom and Gomorrah, and it's not going to change any minds of the liberals." Shetler noted that part of the problem centers on questions of what relationship the RCA really has with the UCC. One of the constituent denominations in the UCC merger was begun three centuries ago under the auspices of Classis Amsterdam of the RCA's Dutch mother church, the Nederlands Hervormde Kerk, and once had close relations with the RCA. Since the 1961 merger that created the United Church of Christ, the only formal connection between the RCA and UCC has been that both denominations are members of the National and World Councils of Churches and that both are members of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. However, there are a number of RCA ministers serving UCC churches and some local congregations have dual membership in both denominations. Whatever connection the UCC may have with the Reformed tradition, Shetler said the Lutherans, despite being outside the Reformed tradition, raised fewer concerns for RCA members. "Part of the argument is going to be, do we really have full communion status with the UCC, and there are going to be people who argue both sides of that," said Shetler. "If you can provide some type of way people can say 'yes' to the Lutherans without saying 'yes' to the UCC, they're going to buy it." Shetler said it was an open question whether the RCA would follow a recommendation of the RCA's General Synod Council to submit the salvation apart from Christ issue for a new vote. The amendment required a two-thirds majority of the RCA's 46 classes to pass, but received a 23-23 vote in part due to a typographical error in the text sent out for voting. Fifteen of the "no" votes came from the RCA's 17 eastern classes, which historically have been more theologically progressive than the midwest classes. "I think there'll be people in the eastern churches saying we don't need to do this again, we just did it and the change is not significant enough to alter our vote," said Shetler. "The issue of the inclusion of the word 'grace' really had no bearing on why they did it. The omission of the word 'grace' would be more a reason in the west of why some classes did not vote for it. In some cases the votes were close, and changing the votes of one or two ministers may change the vote in some places." Regardless of how the General Synod votes, last year's decision will still stand declaring that the RCA believes salvation is through Christ alone. The question will be whether to require ministers and churches to agree with that declaration. While the "hot button" issues of salvation apart from Christ and homosexuality have received widespread attention in the church and secular media, RCA General Synod president Rev. Tony Vis said other less controversial issues might have more effect on the long-term work of the Reformed Church in America. "I think the most important thing the delegates will be dealing with at the General Synod will be the issue of the mission and vision of the church; I will be addressing that briefly in my own report and [RCA General Secretary Rev.] Wesley Granberg-Michaelson will be specifically addressing that," said Vis. "For the long term health and future direction of the Reformed Church in America that is probably the single most important issue we will be dealing with this week." Vis said the biggest impact of the mission and vision statement would be its focus on the local churches. "What the mission and vision statement does is it focuses the resources of the denomination, General Synod, regional synods, and classes on the local congregation," said Vis. "I think that the RCA has been in some ways moving in that direction for a while but this mission and vision statement makes it very clear that the focus of the resources of the church should be directed to the front lines of the church, which is the local congregation." Vis also called attention to a report on standards for professional ministry which would codify a number of current unwritten practices, develop a "teaching church" model in which successful churches and pastors would train seminarians, and strengthen a mentoring program in which younger ministers are mentored by more experienced pastors. The report also addresses an alternative model for ordination of ministers without master of divinity degrees from seminary. "The key elements of the report which make it significant are the lifting up of the teaching church model and the mentorship," said Vis. "This lifts it up and gives it a degree of importance." Vis, however, agreed that the Formula of Agreement and the salvation apart from Christ issues were likely to get more attention. "Let's just say that it would be one I would expect would get some big press," said Vis. "I would guess that it is potentially one of the more controversial issues that we will deal with." Vis declined to predict how the RCA would vote on the Formula of Agreement, but said he hoped the RCA would submit the salvation apart from Christ amendment to the classes for a revote. "I know the leadership would like to see a revote take place so everybody understands that when we do these things we like to do them right," said Vis. Although the controversy on salvation apart from Christ has consumed much of the RCA's energy in recent years and the Formula of Agreement could ignite still more controversy, Vis said he was optimistic about the RCA's future. "I would say that the Reformed Church in America is on the brink of some exciting times in mission at home and abroad," said Vis. "I think it's time to allow the synod to do its work, have its discussion, vigorously debate the formula, and make its decision. I am confident that when synod hears both sides and gets the chance to vote, it makes the right decision." Cross-References to Related Articles: #1996-013: Special Meeting of RCA's Muskegon Classis Discusses Homosexuality, Scripture, Salvation Apart from Christ #1996-023: Muskegon RCA Classis: No Room for Pastor Questioning Salvation Apart from Christ, Authority of Scripture #1996-086: Muskegon Classis Rebukes Rhem for "Heretical" Views, Restarts Negotiations "to Reach a Mutually Acceptable Separation Agreement" with Christ Community Church #1996-091: Rhem Conflict Leads to Homosexuality Debate in Muskegon #1996-092: Back to the Drawing Board: Muskegon Classis Tables Proposed Settlement with Pastor of RCA's Fourth-Largest Church #1996-093: Dr. Jonathan Gerstner on Rhem: "Tragedy is the Only Word" #1996-094: Second RCA Minister Faces Discipline for Theological Views #1996-103: Classis Muskegon Averts Heresy Trial, Completes Separation Agreement with Richard Rhem, Christ Community Church #1996-110: Appeal Stalls Settlement Agreement on Rev. Richard Rhem; Protests Greet Upcoming Rhem Keynote Speech for RCA Regional Synod of the Mid-Atlantics on "The Church in Conflict... Can Non-Believers be Saved?" #1996-118: Rhem to Reformed Church in America: "The Bible is a Wax Nose" #1997-001: Muskegon Classis Suspends Separation Agreement Until Regional Synod Adjudicates Appeal on "Gross Sexual Misconduct" Allegations Against Richard Rhem #1997-002: Rhem's Attorney Responds: "Classis... Has Engaged in Conspiratorial Actions Which Were Maliciously Calculated to Damage Rev. Richard Rhem and Christ Community Church" #1997-007: Appeal of Charges Against Rhem Sent Back to Committee by RCA's Regional Synod Executive Committee; Van Hoeven Appeal to Proceed with Recommendation of Dismissal #1997-019: Reformed Church in America Classes Poised to Vote on Church Order Change: Should All RCA Ministers and Churches Annually Reaffirm that Salvation is Through Christ Alone? #1997-026: SW Michigan Becomes First RCA Michigan Classis to Ratify Church Order Amendment on Salvation Through Christ Alone #1997-028: Rhem Case on Hold; Muskegon Classis Affirms Salvation Through Christ Alone #1997-031: Reformed Church in America's Second and Third Largest Classes Vote to Affirm Salvation Only Through Christ #1997-032: South Grand Rapids Classis Overtures Reformed Church in America to Reject "Full Communion" with United Church of Christ Due to UCC Approval of Gay Marriage and Ordination #1997-033: Holland Classis Rejects Church Order Amendment to Require Annual Declaration that Salvation is Through Christ Alone #1997-034: Reformed Church in America Rejects Annual Declaration that Salvation is Through Christ Alone #1997-040: Typo Leads Reformed Church in America to Recommend New Vote on Salvation Apart from Christ #1997-043: RCA Committee Asks Regional Synod of the Great Lakes to Send Rhem "Gross Sexual Misconduct" Case Back to Muskegon Classis for Investigation, Possible Trial #1997-044: Great Lakes Regional Synod Minister: Reformed Church in America not "Dead," but Needs to "Wake Up" #1997-045: Reformed Church in America Regional Synod of the Great Lakes Sends Rhem "Gross Sexual Misconduct" Case Back to Muskegon Classis for Investigation, Possible Trial; Van Hoeven's complaint against "rebuke" for supporting Rhem denied; will appeal to General Synod; Regional Synod reaffirms salvation through Christ alone, goes on record against "full communion" with United Church of Christ due to homosexual issue #1997-046: Rhem's Attorney Responds: "The RCA in Western Michigan [is] Truly a Dysfunctional Family" #1997-057: RCA's Muskegon Classis Calls Special Meeting to Consider Trial for Richard Rhem on Sexual Misconduct Charges #1997-058: RCA's Muskegon Classis to Investigate Sexual Misconduct Charges Against Rhem Contact List: TO REACH RCA DELEGATES DURING GENERAL SYNOD, June 14 to 20, 1997 Student Union, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, 2200 Kenwood St., Milwaukee, WI Lodging: (414) 229-5579 Press Office: (414) 229-4242 TO REACH DELEGATES AFTER GENERAL SYNOD: Rev. E. Wayne Antworth, Director, RCA Stewardship & Communication Services 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 O: (212) 870-2954 * FAX: (212) 870-2499 Ms. Pamela DeWeendt, Stated Clerk, Classis of South Grand Rapids (RCA) 2030 Denwood SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 H: (616) 452-3768 Hans Holznagel, Director, Office of Communication, The United Church of Christ 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100 O: (216) 736-2222 Rev. Howard Moths, Stated Clerk, Regional Synod of the Great Lakes 2795 Rosewood St., Jenison, MI 49428 O: (616) 669-6690 * H: (616) 669-1983 Rev. Richard Rhem, Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church 225 East Exchange St., Spring Lake, MI 49456 O: (616) 842-1985 * H: (616) 846-7777 * F: (616) 842-3476 * E-Mail: christcommunity@novagate.com Rev. Patrick Shetler, Pastor, First Reformed Church 271 E. State Rd., PO Box 365, Grant, MI 49327 O: (616) 834-8668 * H: (616) 834-7246 * E-Mail: grantreformedchurch@worldnet.att.net Rev. Tom Stark, Pastor, University Reformed Church 231 Oakhill, East Lansing, MI 48823 O: (517) 351-6810 * H: (517) 351-7164 Rev. Burt Twomey, President, Regional Synod of the Great Lakes 1139 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686 O: (616) 947-7082 * H: (616) 946-3908 Rev. Sherwin Weener, Synod Minister, Regional Synod of the Great Lakes 4500 - 60th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 O: (616) 698-7071 * H: (616) 457-3572 ---------------------------------------------------------- file: /pub/resources/text/reformed/archive97: nr97-069.txt .