Synod Votes to Bring Back Women Advisers

Synod 2015 reinstated the practice of including women advisers, paralleling the guidelines established for ethnic advisers.

This means that women advisers will be appointed whenever there are fewer than 25 women delegates. Synod is the annual leadership meeting of the Christian Reformed Church.

Women advisers were at synod from 2001 to 2007, but the practice was discontinued once women were allowed to be delegates. However, the number of women delegated to synod has been 10 percent or lower during most of those years.

Many delegates expressed joy at having women participate in synod, expressing gratitude to those who pushed to see it happen. It was noted that the decision to have deacons attend synod means there likely will be more women in attendance next year.

Classes will again be encouraged to have their delegates be gender and ethnically diverse in order to represent the denomination’s increasing diversity.

Elder delegate Judy Jongsma, Classis Grand Rapids East, said that when she arrived at synod she felt like she was in an “old boys club.” She said other women embraced her and made her feel like she belonged. “We must increase the number of women participating in synod,” she said.

Rev.Richard Bodini, Classis Toronto, spoke of the desire to have synod be a picture of heaven on earth, a blessed, diverse body of Christ.

Deacon adviser Trena Boonstra said, “I have felt very welcomed and encouraged. Thank you for that. It’s been a good learning experience and I would encourage churches to send their women.”

Rev. Meg Jenista of Classis Hackensack said, “I hear my story in all this.” But she reminded synod that “there are delegates who sit here under protest [because they believe the Bible does not permit women’s ordination]. Their voice is not being heard.”

Elder John VanderBilt, Classis Minnkota, said, “I want to remind you that this is a prayed-for synod. The Holy Spirit will guide our classis in terms of the delegates. We are elected to be here by God’s choice.”

Ethnic adviser John Saa Lendein told delegates that his mother in Liberia was such a blessing to him and he wants synod to see the vital role of its female members.

Synod voted unanimously to ensure the presence of women.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2015 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.