Holland, Michigan — A number of pastors and laypeople from northwest Iowa Reformed Churches are in Holland, Michigan to talk about the direction of the Reformed Church in America – or RCA.
Over the next week, leaders from across the RCA are meeting at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, for General Synod 2017.
Among the issues on their agenda for the annual meeting:
- To decide whether to approve the General Synod Council 2018 assessment of $45.64 per confessing member.
- To decide on an assessment to provide assistance funding for retired pastors who have a demonstrated need.
- To decide whether to include Deacons as possible General Synod delegates.
- To discuss encouraging RCA congregations and members to engage with the refugee crisis in a positive way.
- To discuss a wording change regarding preaching by ministers of another denomination.
- To discuss changes to the policy detailing when the classis may supersede a consistory.
- To decide whether to approve a resolution expanding the role of women in the church and in leadership roles.
…as well as many other issues.
Two regional synods are also asking the General Synod to confirm that marriage is between one man and one woman, and one regional synod wants to leave the issue of what marriages may be solemnized up to the individual church consistories.
Reformed Church General Synod runs through Tuesday, June 13th.
