A broken communion

I do not normally weigh in on ecclesiastical issues in this space, but given my long association with and current membership in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), I think it is appropriate to comment on Synod 2026’s decision to withdraw from the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). I understand that church denominations have to weigh their associations carefully to ensure that they align with their mission and identity. But I believe Synod was too hasty in ending our relationship with this global communion, and I hope it isn’t too late to correct this.

The CRC’s exit

The CRC was one of the founding members of the WCRC in 2010 when the former Reformed Ecumenical Council united with the former World Alliance of Reformed Churches. The WCRC is by no means a perfect body. Like many such ecumenical organizations, it too frequently speaks on political issues in an unbalanced fashion. For example, its statements on the Palestinian issue properly call attention to the plight of the people of Gaza who have suffered disproportionately from Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas, but they are less vocal about the right of Israel to protect itself.

Similarly, the WCRC’s Accra Confession calls attention to the distortions of neoliberal economics but is silent about the failures – and outright injustices – of professed socialist regimes, such as China and Cuba. In this respect, the WCRC is little different from other ecumenical organizations.

That said, there is a large overlap between the WCRC’s membership and the churches with which the CRC is in communion. In leaving, the CRC is abandoning its sister and daughter churches in a group increasingly influenced by less-confessional churches. Is this what we want?

Strength in diversity

It should be possible for a confessional church, adhering faithfully to the gospel message, to retain membership in a mixed organization made up of churches with which it may not agree in every respect. Given the size and global coverage of the WCRC, the presence of solid reformed denominations constitutes an important witness unlikely to be replicated by other bodies

If the CRC sends delegates simply to schmooze with other denominational representatives, then yes, there is probably little point in retaining membership. But if we are determined to proclaim the lordship of Christ and his saving grace within the larger group, then we still have a role to play in the WCRC.

Of course, many of the CRC’s daughter churches in the global south boast larger memberships than ours. Perhaps, say, the Universal Reformed Christian Church of Nigeria, along with others, could help to keep the WCRC on course. But given the CRC’s access to better financial resources, its presence is likely irreplaceable.

I hope a future synod will re-evaluate and reverse this year’s regrettable decision.