Pioneer Christian Monthly - October, 1997

Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor:

If there is anything the average layman does not need, it's more confusion!

The Formula of Agreement as debated in various committees, synods, etc. has never been clear, especially in its implications for the RCA. Then, Regional Synod (Canada) approves a paid ad in the Church Herald arguing against passage of the 'Agreement.' Now, General Synod approves a definition that apparently means something in house, but may mean quite another to a reader outside the RCA... and our same RSC people give guarded approval to the same 'Agreement' that they at first vehemently opposed... or at least, they say, 'We can live with it." Thank You to Rev. Opmeer for doing his level best to bring some sense out of nonsense!

In reading both articles in the Aug. '97 Pioneer, I am more and more convinced that our RSC leadership has been duped by nice sounding words and apparent sincerity by our RCA top brass. No matter which way we read it, or are told to read the phrase 'full communion," over time, and for all practical purposes, it will grow to mean only one thing... 'oneness with."

Quality, courageous, conservative, sound, biblical leadership is in short supply these days... and in the RCA, the Canadian arm is being looked to for just such leadership. Jay Van Sweden writes: '... The RCA in Canada have in their classis (Synod) several churches who have left the denomination because of these errors (homosexual ordination). Apparently the opposition is still fervent there, because they were forced to buy a fall page advertisement in the April issue of the Church Herald to express their feelings. Will they leave because of this action by General Synod? Observe them carefully.' (from FACTS Newsletter, Aug. '97) In the same issue, H & J V.F. of Hamilton, Michigan, write: '... Now what will those who left the UCC do?'

I think its crucial that the RSC leadership review and recant their guarded support of the Formula... camouflaged definitions and all! And give those biblical friends or ours south of the border some hope! ... and at the same time, clear the confusion!

From the Heart

John Moerman (Chatham)

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