You could say it all started here in Halifax: the Canadian arm of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), that is. After World War II, most of the Dutch immigrants who founded the CRC in Canada arrived by boat at Pier 21. But if you visit Halifax this fall, you’ll no longer find a CRC. Today,…
On September 16 to 19, Toward Canada (formerly known as Toward CRC Canada) gathered in St. Albert, Alberta, for a conference entitled: Waymaking. Concerned about the Americanization of the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRCNA), this expanding movement of Christian churches, organizations, missions and individuals is exploring a new association or network of Canadian…
“Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy.” That’s what Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters during a July press conference on the decision to restore Canada’s diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. Critics argue that Canada shouldn’t engage a country with such a troubling human rights record. But Carney’s government sees it differently. Whether…
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…
This refreshing book brings beauty and sanity into theological conversation. Generously Reformed: Theology Rooted Deep and Reaching Wide – written by three Western Theological Seminary authors – inspires and re-kindles my passion for reformed theology. This accessible book is for all interested in better knowing the reformed tradition or even as an excellent introduction for…
“Christian nationalism conflicts with the reformed understanding of government.” This statement, and others like it, were under discussion at the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRCNA) Synod as delegates from across Canada and the U.S. gathered from June 12-18, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On June 15, delegates voted 93 in favour and…
I was raised in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Canada. Its rich Reformed tradition fed my curiosity, encouraged debate and dialogue and allowed room for questions and doubt. I found it liberating, healing, inclusive and inviting, full of hope for those seeking meaning and purpose. But it no longer feels that way to me….
If I’m honest, I’d rather look away from Synod this year. But I haven’t always felt that way. In years past, I’ve been a keen watcher of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC)’s annual denominational meetings that are usually held at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There’s one evening of Synod watching that I remember…
Can we be strong and weak? Many would reject this as unrealistic, but it’s a paradox that provides hope for the leadership complexities facing the church today and the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) specifically. In his book, Strong and Weak, Andy Crouch explores this paradox and provides a helpful framework for flourishing leadership. A framework…
My grandparents, together with other post-WWII Dutch immigrants animated by Kuyperian thinking, immediately began building Christian schools in their new land of Canada. Eventually, they also built Christian universities. Redeemer College was established in 1981, just down the road from the Christian day schools my grandparents helped build. Reformed colleges had already been established in…
Harry van Dyke’s book was triggered by a conference commemorating the hundredth anniversary of Kuyper’s 1898 Princeton Stone Lectures on Calvinism. Centenary speakers presented Kuyper as unprecedented. In The Legacy of Abraham Kuyper, Van Dyke considers key individuals who influenced Kuyper and as many leaders whom Kuyper influenced. Significant influencers The book’s first part discusses…
We’re back at our table in Grace Manor: Douwe the horseman. Broekie (Kees) from Broek op Langedijk. Jan who struggles with remembering the day. Pete who has recently found love, again. And me – the Young People of long ago, still meeting over coffee. There is one empty chair. When Douwe first walked in, we…
|
Uploaded
Failed
|
 |
