Synod Laments Banner Articles, Calls for Review of Mandate

After impassioned debate about the contents and role of its denominational magazine, The Banner, Synod 2014 ordered a review of the magazine’s mandate and expressed “lament” about its publication of two controversial articles (“Tomorrow’s Theology” by Edwin Walhout; “Sex, Intimacy and the Single Person” by Harry Van Belle).

The articles in question, published last summer, called into question traditional Christian doctrines in light of science and advocated that the Christian Reformed Church drop its opposition to premarital sex.

Synod unanimously adopted a resolution saying the articles “have caused harm and created confusion” in the CRC.

“Synod has higher expectations of discernment, insight, clarity, and direction through difficult and complex issues of our time,” the delegates declared.

However, they turned down requests from two classes (regional church groups) and one congregation to remove The Banner’s longtime editor, Rev. Robert DeMoor.

It was noted that DeMoor did not write the articles and has apologized, in print and to the Board of Trustees, for how he presented them. He did so again to synod and received a standing ovation from the delegates.

“I do not get tired of saying ‘I’m sorry’ because, brothers and sisters, I love you,” said DeMoor. “So I offer to you once again my deep and heartfelt apology for the way I allowed those two articles to be published in The Banner.

“I have not served you well in the kind of editorial direction I gave,” he added, saying he should have worked more closely with the writers to shape more helpful articles. “And so I’m sorry, I really am, and I ask for your forgiveness.”

Delegates directed the Board of Trustees to ensure a review of the magazine’s mandate, approved by synod in 1998, which calls on it to “edify and encourage Christian living” and “stimulate critical thinking about issues related to the Christian faith and the culture of which we are a part.”

The review instructs the BOT to clarify how the magazine can fulfill such aims “while affirming Scripture and our confessions,” and report back to Synod 2015.

The Board of Trustees previously approved a revised oversight process after meeting with DeMoor last fall. The Banner Advisory Council’s role has been strengthened to advise the editor on magazine content, as well as resolve conflicts about its material between the editor and the CRC executive director. Synod called those moves “appropriate first steps” for addressing concerns about the articles.

Delegates approved the recommendations of an advisory committee that met with DeMoor and two trustees. Committee reporter Rev. Michael Johnson said members also studied six formal requests (overtures) and two letters objecting to the articles, as well as a letter from Classis Eastern Canada supporting DeMoor and affirming The Banner as a safe place for such discussions.

In more than two hours of discussion, many delegates strongly criticized publication of the articles while some defended the magazine. Critics charged that the articles alienated and even chased away church members. Some called for an official retraction.

Glenn Palmer, an elder from Classis Hackensack, said his congregation has discussed whether to leave the CRC and one family has done so. He said one of the articles, “Tomorrow’s Theology” by retired CRC minister Edwin Walhout, contradicts confessions that say Adam was a historical person.

“Which CRC is the true CRC?” Palmer said. “The confessional CRC or The Banner CRC?” He accused the magazine of “a pattern of misconduct” beyond the two articles.

A pastor delegate from Classis Minnkota, which had requested DeMoor’s removal and repudiation of the articles, said they caused church members to mistrust denominational leaders.

“The way the articles addressed the issues led not just to shock, but to feelings of betrayal by many of our members -- betrayal by their church of their values, of their beliefs,” said Rev. Randall Raak.

But other delegates and officials strongly defended both the magazine’s editorial content and DeMoor’s leadership.  Elder delegate John Venema of Eastern Canada asserted vigorous questioning is part of the CRC’s own rebellious history.

“Remember the Reformers were going against all the established doctrine of the church,” Venema said. “Yet they spoke up and created a dialogue. Through that dialogue we found a way to the truth.”

While the articles had “a certain shock value,” that’s not necessarily bad, said Rev. Gerrit Bomhof of Classis Alberta North. “Isn’t this the way things are supposed to work, that we stimulate some thinking?”

Rev. Peter Borgdorff, deputy executive director of the CRC, stressed that DeMoor’s theology is not on trial and that the Board of Trustees stands with him “in support of 10 years of excellent service.”

DeMoor said he welcomes a review of the 1998 mandate to clarify the denomination’s expectations of The Banner and provide direction for editors. He also said he would “prayerfully consider” whether he should remain as editor. “Perhaps I would like to serve a wee bit longer,” he told delegates.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2014 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod