2020 Update Regarding Synodical Adoptions to Address Abuse of Power in the CRCNA

In June of 2019 the synod of the Christian Reformed Church adopted a wide variety of directives made as a response to a report called, Addressing Abuse of Power in the Christian Reformed Church. You can see the context and specifics of all of those adoptions via the article Synod 2019 Acts on Addressing Abuse of Power in the CRCNA. 

While the Christian Reformed Church did not meet as a synod this year, there was a special meeting of the Council of Delegates that took up many items that could not wait until 2021. 

More significant attention was given about two items specifically, 1. The Abuse of Power Training for pastors and 2. the development of the Code of Conduct for ministry leaders. If you would like more information about the Abuse of Power Training for pastors, this article has been written to share more specific information, it also has attached Appendix C which presented more information to COD regarding the Abuse of Power Training (also available as a pdf download at this link). Further, if you would like to view more information about the proposed Code of Conduct, this article has been written with a brief update and it also provides the proposed Code of Conduct as an attachment (also available as a pdf download at this link). Please note, the Code of Conduct will be further taken up for adoption at synod 2021.

Below you will find three excerpts from the Agenda for Synod 2020; and the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council of Delegates which share updates on all of the 2019 synod directives regarding abuse of power:

First, on pages 40-42 of the agenda there was a brief update on the status of each directive made at synod 2019:

 Excerpted Pages 40-42 RE Abuse of Power Directives of 2020 Agenda.pdf (preview of this can be seen below, press "preview" to see it)

Second, on pages 345-346 of the Minutes of COD there were additional updates given regarding the Guardian Committee, nondisclosure agreements in the CRCNA, resources for culturally diverse churches, an ad hoc committee on prevention of abuse in CRCNA offices, development of the training of pastors and classis training programs. 

Excerpt Pages 345-346 of Minutes of COD 2020.pdf (preview of this can be seen below, press "preview" to view)

Lastly, on pages 423 of the Minutes of COD there were specific adoptions made regarding the new Abuse of Power Training for pastors.

Link to download: Excerpt Page 423 of the Minutes: Adopted Recommendations Regarding Abuse of Power Training.pdf (preview can be seen below, press "preview" to view)