Bruce Adema
I am the husband of one wife (Joanne), the father of four young adults (Rebecca, Justin, Seth and Chara), the father-in-law of three fine people (Liam, Candice and Emily), and by the end of summer 2012 the grandfather of three (Brooklyn, and her new sister and cousin still inside their moms). My working life has had me be an ambulance attendant, a pastor of a Christian Reformed congregation, a missionary in the Philippines with Christian Reformed World Missions, and currently Director of Canadian Ministries with the Christian Reformed Church. One of the facets of my position is that I serve as the Ecumenical Officer for the CRCNA.
Posted in: The Reformed Distinctive, or the Reformed "Stink"?
There are different ways of looking at ecumenism, and people have different expectations of what the result of the ecumenical enterprise will be.
Sometimes people say things that imply that ecumenism will be the death of anything that is distinctly Reformed. As we sink together to the lowest commom denominator, we will in time end up having nothing to say and confess except for the blandest platitutes. All that we are and all that we have been given as Reformed people that is unique or makes a special contribution will be lost. Our "aroma" will be that of zucchinis. Ho-hum.
Other times people say that ecumenism is the way to draw the lines between us so starkly that it actually results in further alienation and is motivated by fear. Our Reformedness is to be hung like the flag of a victor on the battle field. The fools who are not as wise as we! Our aroma is that of limburger cheese. Phew!
My observation and experience of ecumenism from the CRC perspective is that we are neither zucchini nor limburger cheese. Rather, because we have a healthy understanding of who we are and what we believe, and because we are humble and honest enough to look at other denominations and traditions and see the wisdom and beauty that they contain, we add a pleasing aroma that mixes well with al the other delights on the banquet table. Maybe we're the fresh baked bread, others are the casserole, yet others are the apple pie. The meal would be less without the bread. And the meal would be disappointing if it were only bread.
I hope for two things: first, that we continue to become more Reformed, meaning that we grow and mature, living out the implications of our traditions and worldview, and second that we interact and engage ever more joyfully and positively with Christian brothers and sisters in other parts of Christ's Body.
Posted in: World Communion of Reformed Churches
I really appreciate Lou and Mark's comments. They help outline some of the challenges, and some of the opportunities, that come with the CRC's participation in the WCRC.
Without a doubt, there are a variety of perspectives in the WCRC. There are some who are very focused (perhaps even fixated) on justice issues, and have little interest in confessional fidelity or doctrinal precision. These folks can be strident, and it would be hard not to notice them or their agenda.
To be fair, there are also those in the WCRC who are very focused (perhaps even fixated) on confessional fidelity or doctrinal proceision, and have little interest in justice issues. These folks probably feel sidellined, and it is very possible to overlook them.
The CRC is in an interesting and important position. We are clearly interested in justice issues, and we have an ongoing commitment to confessional fidelity and doctrinal precision. I believe that it was in significant part because of the contribution of CRC delegates to the assembly that the WCRC agrred that there would be twin priorities for the Communion, and that these two priorities would get equal attention in terms of staffing and WCRC resources. These priorities are Communion and Justice.
Our denomination has gone through a major change in the last number of years. We now have sufficient confidence in our history, our theological conclusions, and our people (and of course, in the faithfulness of our Lord) that we are not afraid to talk to churches and traditions that are quite different from our own. We do not believe that we are so weak or spiritually flabby that we will be led astray or infected by theological liberalism. We also have sufficient humility to admit that there are things that we can learn from other traditions and fellowships. And equally humbly, we believe we have something beautiful and valuable to contribute to them.
The RES/REC heritage will not be lost, but rather enhanced and expanded, by diligent and thoughtful participation by CRC and other former REC member denominations in the WCRC.
Posted in: Changed Requirements for Clergy Residence Deduction (Canada)
Hi Dirk.
All who claim the Clergy Residence Deduction have to follow the same rules. So, whether one is an ordained minister serving a congregation, a chaplain at a hospital, or a person who in some other way meets the function and status test of the legislation for the CRD, needs to attach a copy of his/her job description, complete with percentages of time spent in each area indicated within it..
Likely it will require adapting the currently held job description. Contacting the HR office or the person who completes these forms is a good idea, alerting them to the new forms and reporting requirements.
Bruce