Restless and reformed
Canadian CRC members worried about church decline, U.S. influence and human sexuality.
When members of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Canada showed up in digital droves to say they are concerned about the future of their denomination (see pages 1,2 and 4), they also told us why.
Survey participants had the option to provide context for two questions (4 and 5), and close to 500 of them did, providing insight into what gives them confidence or makes them concerned.
A number of people who have confidence in the CRC are pleased with the direction the denomination is taking on human sexuality, and aren’t concerned about the effect of Canada being the smaller fraction of a binational denomination. “The Human Sexuality Report (HSR) is a big step in the right direction, as well as Synod 2024,” wrote one.
For some, the turmoil is necessary. “I believe strongly that Synod has made good decisions. It will take time for realignment to those decisions,” another said. “That process will be difficult and heart wrenching at times but by God’s grace we’ll get through it with renewed hope and trust in him.”
A significant number of people who do express confidence in the future assume the CRC’s survival in Canada requires separation. “If we can get an independent CRC from the USA, I have a lot of hope. If not, I’m feeling hopeless,” wrote one respondent. “I think the Canadian CRC has a unique voice and is quietly doing tremendously important kingdom work,” said another.
Our analysis of the 270 comments provided by the largest group, the people who are concerned about the future, shows their concern can be attributed to three main factors: the effect of members and churches leaving, the influence of the USA and the impact of discussions about human sexuality.
Losing members and churches
Some people point out that their congregations – and by extension, the denomination – are already in decline, and others wrote sadly of a dearth of young people in the pews. Synod’s actions are seen as another impetus for exodus. “Synod’s decision has caused many members to leave and has ruined our church.”
American influence
Some commenters point to American weight on Synodical and denominational decision-making as drowning out Canadian concerns, while others describe the negative impact of white nationalist sentiment on the American branch of the denomination – which ends up shaping Canada. “The extreme politics of the U.S. has filtered into the Church and has affected some thinking in the U.S. church.”
With regard to Synod, several named the influence of a group called Abide – which describes itself as “an organized effort to promote biblical marriage and sexuality in the CRC” – as a problem. “Synod ought to apologize for its political and manipulative approach to these issues,” wrote one person. “Their actions are sinful in and of themselves.”
Human sexuality
Of the three main reasons given for concern, human sexuality is mentioned least – half as often as decline or American influence. Some people object to the way the conversation about human sexuality has been shut down and that differences of opinion are no longer tolerated – even those who support the Synodical conclusion on human sexuality.
Finally, there are respondents who are squarely inhabiting the tension between all of the factors. “Declining numbers are a concern,” one person wrote. “Synod’s decision on LGBTQ has reduced numbers and will divide us. We need to stand behind the Word of God and I believe the Synod was very clear.” But when it comes to the future, “I think it is in the best interest to break off from the United States. We can become stronger within Canada.”
It’s funny that the majority of your readers are pessimistic about the future of the CRC. But don’t forget that it’s the survey of your readers. In recent CRC classis meetings around the country, there is concern but nothing close to the 60% you describe. If anything, it’s at least 60% of classis meeting delegates who are happy and even optimistic about the future of the CRC.
A fair point, Pat.
At the same time, I for one am only aware of this journalism-org making this type of attempt at generating some greater clarity regarding the resultant outcomes of the Synod rulings. If there are other relevant polling results available from other parties (eg, for numerical values regarding Classes delegate sentiments across Canada) who have undertaken such similar, significant efforts, where is that data? Where does your latter value of ~60% come from? Not criticizing your knowledge; I just want more than what I’ve received and dug up via the CRCNA organization, to this date. Does it exist, or did I miss that Banner Mag article, for only one easily used vehicle for such universally good information. Much would have been made of it, so I doubt that they’ve undertaken the due diligence of a polling exercise, to this date. Until it’s done, we are bogged down in the sucking mire of mere conjecture, and of a hierarchical talking-down to we-the-masses. In that context, the CC polling exercise is something that I’ll take gratefully until, once again, the CRCNA (head office?) discovers it as a helpful tool, in the way of doing its due diligence.