Curt Gesch

Thanks for pointing out that all of us need to deal with self-righteousness, not just with whom we disagree.    When we either leave or force others to leave a fellowship, it may be justified or it may be another example of following exclusion/inclusion tribalism that goes way back in history.  I wonder why in this recent CRC crisis a third way might not have been possible such as what Quaker communities do:  allow each congregation to decide about certain things without leaving the greater fellowship.    I'd say the same thing about denominational groupings:  must we have another "alliance" in the RCA such as the CRCNA had in the 1990s, followed by a new  denomination.  What about a federation?   Perhaps one of the CRC writers might want to explore that in print some day. 

Re:  candidates for ministry shortage.   The CRCNA Synod's recent decision that added to the confessions for office-bearers will narrow the pool of prospective candidates.  As a former board member of Calvin Theological Seminary, it would seem to me that this synodical decision handcuffs the Seminary which has been doing a fine job of prepare candidates. 

My experience with a church in danger of splitting is this:  When a local congregation put its motto into practice--"Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds"--then it survived, visitors were welcomed and treated as part of the family.   Meanwhile, the congregation continued with Christ-centred worship, following a traditional liturgical structure with elasticity shown in worship as pastoral needs became apparent. 

I don't know, however, if this is a plan or a strategy or just a result of God bringing gracious, accepting people together.