Christian Reformed Synod Opens All Offices To Women -- By: Lillian V. Grissen

Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 04:4 (Fall 1990)
Article: Christian Reformed Synod Opens All Offices To Women
Author: Lillian V. Grissen


Christian Reformed Synod Opens All Offices To Women

Lillian V. Grissen

The Christian Reformed Church in North America, meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at its annual June Synod, opened the offices of elder, minister, and evangelist to women. The office of deacon has been open to women for several years.

The synod approved the right of churches to “use their discretion in utilizing the gifts of women members in all the offices of the church,” wording which allows churches to implement synod’s decision but does not force them.

Christian Reformed Church order requires that a second synod ratify any major change that affects the denomination. Synod 1992 will vote again, but few leaders expect that this year’s ruling will be reversed.

The decision came as a stunning surprise to most observers. Many women who have worked diligently to attain this goal did not attend this synod because they expected another denial. Donna J. Sieplinga, CW-CRC president said, “I am happy and I am completely surprised. Yet, my joy is not unmixed with some sadness—that it took this long.” Rev. Neva Evenhouse, minister of counseling and small groups, at Christ Memorial Church, Holland, Michigan, a member of the Reformed Church of America (RCA), was shocked, delighted, and affirmed when she heard the news. Evenhouse is one of more than three dozen women who have left the CRC in order to pursue their calling. “I felt affirmed,” she said. “All along I have felt right about my decision to become an ordained minister, and this synod’s action has affirmed my decision.”

However, Joan Flikkema, executive director of the Committee for Women in the Christian Reformed Church (CW-CRC) and since its inception the voice of the committee, commented, “I wasn’t surprised, and I am glad for the women who have long sought affirmation. But I regret that the synod did not challenge all the churches to use the gifts of women. The decision doesn’t fully endorse the women.”

For a segment (size unknown) of the denomination, synod’s action is very painful. Many pray these wounds will be healed by a reversal in 1992. Myron Rau, president of the Kalamazoo, Michigan, chapter of the Committee of Concerned Members of the CRC, said, “If the denomination does not go back to where we were before, then we must leave.” This group has no official standing in the denomination but is trying to establish a grass roots movement to reverse the decision.

The Christian Reformed Church is a small (315,000 members/800 churches), conservative denomination that confesses the infallibility of God’s Word. It strives to exegete the Bible with thorough research and meticulous care.

The study committee that pre...

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