NR #1996-072: Prominent GKN Minister Regrets Synodical Action

 "It's a pity," said Dr. Klaas Runia, retired rector of the theological
seminary of the Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland at the Dutch city of
Kampen, regarding the decision of the CRC synod to intensify restrictions on
fraternal relations with his denomination. According to Runia, the CRC has a
wrong idea about ecumenical relations between independent denominations.
"Churches should accept each other inclusive of the differences," said Runia.
"Of course you can then criticize each other, but you should not try to make
the other church a copy of your own church."

NR #1996-072: For Immediate Release
Prominent GKN Minister Regrets Synodical Action

by Roel Sikkema
c 1996 Nederlands Dagblad
Distributed by United Reformed News Service

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 17, 1996) URNS - "It's a pity," said Dr. Klaas
Runia, retired rector of the theological seminary of the Gereformeerde Kerken
in Nederland at the Dutch city of Kampen, regarding the decision of the CRC
synod to intensify restrictions on fraternal relations with his denomination.

 Although a large GKN delegation has been in Grand Rapids for the Reformed
Ecumenical Council until Monday morning, Runia was the only GKN leader able
to stay until completion of the synodical debate on the GKN and was not an
official fraternal delegate to the synod.

 "It is better for delegates of synod to see and hear delegates of a sister
church personally than to read about them in the advice of committees," said
Runia.

 According to Runia, the CRC has a wrong idea about ecumenical relations
between independent denominations. "Churches should accept each other
inclusive of the differences," said Runia. "Of course you can then criticize
each other, but you should not try to make the other church a copy of your
own church."

 Runia also spoke about the decision of the General Assembly of the Orthodox
Presbyterian Church to suspend fraternal relations with the CRC. "The CRC
doesn't like that, of course, but to the GKN they do it the same way," said
Runia. "Eventually it will not be fruitful, because you are growing out of
each other."

 "I am convinced that the CRC eventually will have to deal with the same
questions as the GKN," said Runia. "That's so with women in office, but you
hear already the first signs of people who have questions about the
Scriptures. And questions about homosexuality are coming."


Cross-References to Related Articles:

#1996-070: Christian Reformed Synod Intensifies Restrictions on Gereformeerde
Kerken in Nederland


Contact List:

Dr. Klaas Runia, Retired Rector, Theological University of the GKN at Kampen
 Ysselkade 35, 8261 AC Kampen  NETHERLANDS

[See related articles and additional contact list at crossreference]




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