From the CRCNA Agenda for Synod 2010

D. Committee to Propose a Combined RCA/CRC Translation of the Three Reformed
Standards
As part of the planning for the bi-denominational hymnal, it was noted
that the RCA and CRC have differing versions of the Reformed standards
(the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort). This divergence
has also hampered the commitment of Faith Alive to serve as “official
resource provider” to both denominations. Therefore, with the approval
of the two denominational offices, a small committee was formed by Faith
Alive to work toward a common translation of the confessions. The report of
the committee and their recommendations are found in the Appendix.

Appendix
Report of the Committee to Propose a Combined RCA/CRC Translation of
the Three Reformed Standards
I. Background
As part of the planning for the bi-denominational hymnal, it was noted
that the RCA and CRC have differing versions of the Reformed Standards
(the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort). This
divergence has also hampered the commitment of Faith Alive to serve as
“official resource provider” to both denominations. Therefore, with the approval
of the two denominational offices, a small committee was formed by
Faith Alive to work toward a common translation of the confessions. The
theologians on the committee brought an uncommon expertise in their familiarity
with the confessions and their aptitude with the original languages.
The members are Dr. Lyle Bierma, Calvin Theological Seminary; Dr. Todd
Billings, Western Theological Seminary; Dr. Eugene Heideman, retired RCA
theologian and denominational leader; and Rev. Leonard Vander Zee, editor
in chief, Faith Alive.
Faced with a formidable task, and without knowing the possible barriers,
the committee soon found that all participants were eager to work out
differences in the confessional texts, and a spirit of uncommon unity and
commitment pervaded its work. The committee decided that it would not
undertake a totally new translation but work from the present translations

in the two denominations. However, where there were discrepancies the
committee consulted the original languages to resolve the textual differences.
In addition, there were some places in which it was judged that the translation
needed improvement, and this, again, was done by looking back to the
original language documents.
After the committee was well into its work, it was contacted by a similar
committee that had just been formed in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
(PCUSA) to do a fresh translation of the Heidelberg Catechism. They asked
to see our work and, after studying it for a time, felt that doing a translation
of their own was no longer necessary. Over time, they offered some suggestions
for further improvement, many of which were readily accepted. Hence,
this new translation will also be recommended for adoption in the PCUSA,
making it a truly ecumenical document.
The translation committee has now completed its work and wishes to recommend
the translations found in the Addendum to the respective synods
for approval.
II. Recommendations
A. That synod grant the privilege of the floor to Rev. Leonard Vander Zee,
Dr. Lyle Bierma, and Dr. Todd Billings when the combined RCA/CRC translation
of the Reformed standards is addressed.
B. That Synod 2010 adopt the new translation of the Belgic Confession, the
Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort as presented (see Addendums)
for use in the CRC.
Grounds:
1. A common translation of the confessions will greatly help the mission
of Faith Alive as an official resource provider to the RCA, as well
as generally increase cooperation and partnership between the two
denominations.
2. The participation of the PCUSA in the Heidelberg Catechism translation
will make it a truly ecumenical document, especially in anticipation
of the celebration of the Heidelberg Catechism’s 450th anniversary
in 2013.
3. Since the PCUSA is also a significant customer for Faith Alive products,
their participation will expand our market, especially for Heidelberg
Catechism materials.