NR #1996-071: Orthodox Presbyterian Fraternal Delegate Announces OPC Suspension of Relations with CRC Over Women in Office Ironically, at the same time that the Christian Reformed synod is concerned about trends in the Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is concerned about the CRC. "We feel that you have left us, and we have moved into a new stage of our relationship," said Rev. John Galbraith, OPC fraternal delegate to the Christian Reformed synod. NR #1996-071: For Immediate Release Orthodox Presbyterian Fraternal Delegate Announces Suspension of Ties with Christian Reformed Church by Darrell Todd Maurina, Press Officer United Reformed News Service GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 17, 1996) URNS - Ironically, at the same time that the Christian Reformed synod is concerned about trends in the Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is concerned about the CRC. That's what Rev. John Galbraith, OPC fraternal delegate to the Christian Reformed synod, announced on June 17. "I hope those of you who are seeing a living, breathing OPC member for the first time do not picture us, as some would, as breathing fire and brimstone," said Galbraith, noting that recent coolness in relations between the two denominations contrasted sharply with the close contact of previous years. "We followed the example of the CRC in joining the Reformed Ecumenical Synod and later founding the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council," said Galbraith. "We feel that you have left us, and we have moved into a new stage of our relationship." Reading the OPC letter to the Christian Reformed synod, Galbraith noted that the CRC synod had sent a telegram to the very first OPC General Assembly in June 1936 "inviting our infant church to send a fraternal delegate to the meetings of your synod." Two years later in May 1938, the CRC stated clerk had responded warmly on behalf of synod to the OPC's unanimous decision to send fraternal greetings to the CRC synod. In later years, the OPC and CRC had worked together closely on the mission field and in support of other joint endeavors in US church life. Despite these longstanding connections, Galbraith informed the CRC synod that the OPC General Assembly has now voted to "suspend the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Christian Reformed Church in North America" by restricting the exchange of fraternal delegates, discontinuing pulpit fellowship except at the discretion of local churches, and restricting intercommunion between the two denominations. The OPC General Assembly also voted that "unless the 1997 regular general assembly determines that the intervening actions of the Christian Reformed Church in North America warrant a reversal of this action or a continuation of this period of suspension, the relationship of Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the Christian Reformed Church in North America shall be terminated with the close of that Assembly." "Our assembly came to this decision slowly and reluctantly, all the time hoping it would not be necessary," said Galbraith. "We do believe that you have seriously erred in the matter of women in office." "Please do not misunderstand us," said Galbraith. "We speak to you in correction because we love you. It would be a lack of love not to do so." The OPC action represents the third breach in fraternal relations between the CRC and another denomination over the issue of women in office. In the fall of 1995, the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland terminated and the Reformed Churches in New Zealand suspended fraternal ties with the CRC citing women in office and other issues. Cross-References to Related Articles: #1993-028: Christian Reformed Synod Votes Down Advisory Committee Majority, Approves Women Elders and Ministers; Afternoon and Evening Sessions Reject Call to Take Action Against Calling God "She," Send Children at the Lord's Table Question Back to Study Committee #1994-035: Christian Reformed Synod Rejects Women in Office on Biblical Grounds #1994-036: Two Hundred Women Take Over Synod Floor in Protest Against Christian Reformed Denial of Women's Ordination; Synod Votes to "Urge" Churches Not to Ordain Women Elders, Pastors #1995-070: Christian Reformed Classes Permitted to Declare Church Order Ban on Women's Ordination "Inoperative"; Synod Decision Given Immediate Effect without Two-Year Ratification Process #1996-065: Women in Office Leads Orthodox Presbyterians to Suspend Ties with CRC, Will Terminate in 1997 Unless CRC Changes Contact List: NOTE TO EDITORS: Most synodical delegates are staying on the campus of Calvin College. To reach delegates in their dormitory rooms during Synod 1996, expected to adjourn on or before June 20, call Calvin College at (616) 957-0000 or contact the synodical news office at the following numbers: Synod News Office: Press Officers Rev. Robert De Moor and Rachel Boehm Van Harmelen O: (616) 957-8652 * F: (616) 957-6469 Pre-Recorded Synod News Hotline: (616) 224-0841 or toll-free (888) 277-9663 Rev. Donald Duff, Stated Clerk, Orthodox Presbyterian Church 614 Roberts Ave., Glenside PA 19038-3711 * O: (215) 956-0123 * H: (215) 887-4901 * FAX: (215) 957-6286 Dr. David Engelhard, General Secretary, Christian Reformed Church in North America 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560 O: (616) 246-0744 * H: (616) 243-2418 * FAX: (616) 246-0834 * E-Mail: engelhad@crcnet.mhs.compuserve.com Rev. John P. Galbraith, Fraternal Delegate, Orthodox Presbyterian Church Rte 32, Box 204, Owl's Head, ME 04854 * (207) 594-7772 Rev. Tom Tyson, Editor, OPC New Horizons 908 Fernhill Rd., Glenside, PA 19038 * O: (215) 956-0123 * H: (215) 886-8315 * FAX: (215) 957-6286 ------------------------------------------------ file: /pub/resources/text/reformed: nr96-071.txt .