Christian Reformed churches leave denomination in droves after anti-LGBTQ+ vote

[Lori Dee]

Christian Reformed churches leave denomination in droves after anti-LGBTQ+ vote
Link to Full Article
Advocate - RYAN ADAMCZESKI
JUNE 26 2024 11:55 AM EST


Several churches have made the decision to leave one of the oldest Christian denominations in the United States after the delegation voted to hit members who support LGBTQ+ worshipers with a "limited suspension."

The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), which has approximately 200,000 members, voted 134-50 last week to disaffiliate congregational leaders and institutions that go against the church's beliefs on same-sex relationships by publicly embracing the queer community. The decision comes two years after the synod voted to include "homosexual sex" in its definition of "unchastity," which also includes adultery, polyamory, and pornography.

The synod did not vote to designate same-sex relationships as a "salvation issue," instead determining that it "does not meet the high standards of definition and articulation needed for declaring a heresy."

Rev. Ryan Schreiber, a pastor from Michigan, attended the meeting to speak in support of LGBTQ+ members. He said he intends to disaffiliate his Grand Rapids church following the synod's vote, which he expects to negatively affect church membership and even threaten the denomination's longevity.

"I am deeply concerned about the Christian Reformed Church, and especially those that I'm leaving behind, gentle conservatives and moderates," Schreiber told Religion News Service ...

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[MaryXYX]

I'm a member of the "United Reform Church".  Some years ago the General Assembly debated allowing churches to perform same sex marriages.  The Assembly was overwhelmingly in favour, but two delegates got it classified as a resolution that required unanimous support and blocked it.  Two years later it was presented again - carefully crafted as a matter of doctrine that required a 2/3 majority and passed.  Most of our churches will marry a same sex couple.  When I asked to be rebaptised in my new body and name our minister at that time said she wasn't allowed to do that, then found a "Renewal of Vows" ceremony that was almost but not exactly a rebaptism.