The SALT Report Explained: Question #3

Why is the Council of Delegates (COD), serving in the interim of Synod, designated as an ecclesial board while the CRC Canada and CRC US Boards (along with the boards of ReFrame, World Renew, Calvin University and Calvin Seminary) are designated as corporate or organizational boards?

The CRC Canada and CRC United States ministry organizations are incorporated in Canada and the U.S., and are recognized as registered charities (Canada) and tax-exempt organizations (U.S.).  As such, they are required to demonstrate compliance with Federal, Provincial, and State regulations. The same is true for ReFrame, World Renew, Calvin University and Calvin Seminary. 

The mission and purpose of the CRC ministry organizations and educational institutions are unique and specific. They are focused on providing ministry and educational programs and activities. Several of them are institutions in their own right. 

The Synod and the Council of Delegates, by contrast, are deliberative bodies and are not legally incorporated in Canada or the U.S.  They are not the same as the CRC ministry and educational organizations. 

The mission and purpose of the CRC organization that will house the Office of General Secretary and the synodical staff will be ecclesial in focus. It will support Synod and the COD. It will engage in ecumenical activities. It will also ensure that the acts of synod are effectively implemented by the CRC ministry and educational organizations.

Co-Authors

Rev. Frederic Koning is a retired CRC Pastor and Medical Ethicist. He served as the Reporter for the Structure and Leadership Task Force (SALT), and co-facilitator of the SALT Steering Committee and the Joint Ministry Agreement Task Force.  

Dr. Lloyd Vanderkwaak is a retired CEO and has conducted research on the governance partnership in nonprofit organizations. He served as a co-facilitator of the SALT Steering Committee and the Joint Ministry Agreement Task Force.