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Standing Firm in Faith: Celebrating the Victory of the Human Sexuality Report
By Rev. Michael DeVries

As I reflect on the momentous decision of Synod 2024, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude to God for His faithfulness and guidance. The approval of the Human Sexuality Report and the reaffirmation of the Christian Reformed Church’s (CRC) commitment to uphold the biblical teaching on marriage as a union between one man and one woman is not just a victory for those of us who hold to traditional views—it is a victory for the gospel and for the future of our church.

This decision has not come without sacrifice. It has stirred up difficult conversations, challenged relationships, and, for many, required a renewed sense of courage. Yet, as we stand firm in the historic Christian teaching on human sexuality, we do so with the conviction that we are honoring God’s Word, caring for the well-being of the church, and proclaiming the truth of the gospel to a culture in desperate need of clarity and hope.

A Biblical Vision for Marriage

The CRC’s commitment to the biblical vision of marriage is not simply a cultural or traditional stance—it is rooted in the very pages of Scripture. From the opening chapters of Genesis, we see that God’s design for marriage is grounded in the creation of male and female, with the unique and complementary union of a man and a woman reflecting God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Jesus Himself reaffirmed this when He spoke of marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6).

The church’s decision to affirm this biblical teaching on marriage is not a departure from compassion or love—it is a profound expression of both. In a world that often confuses love with mere affirmation of personal desires, we are called to a higher love—a love that speaks the truth in grace and invites people into the fullness of life that God intends for them. This love is not always easy, and it is certainly not always popular, but it is faithful to the gospel.

By upholding the biblical vision for marriage, we are protecting the sacredness of this covenant relationship. Marriage is not simply a social construct or a human invention—it is a divine institution, given by God for the mutual joy of a husband and wife, the nurturing of children, and as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). It is a gift from God that must be honored and protected, even when the cultural winds shift in different directions.

A Faithful Response to Cultural Pressures

We live in a time of rapid cultural change, particularly when it comes to issues of sexuality and gender. The pressure to conform to the broader culture’s redefinition of marriage and sexual ethics is immense. Churches, denominations, and even entire faith communities have capitulated, abandoning historic Christian teachings in the name of relevance or inclusivity.

In light of this pressure, Synod 2024’s decision to make all CRC ministers affirm the biblical teaching on marriage is an act of courage. It signals to the world that the Christian Reformed Church is committed to standing on the authority of Scripture, even when it is countercultural. We do not change our theology to fit the times; instead, we hold fast to the timeless truth of God’s Word, trusting that His ways are good and life-giving, even when they are difficult.

This is not to say that we are indifferent to the pain or struggles of those who disagree with this stance. Many people within and outside the church wrestle with issues of sexuality, and we must approach these conversations with compassion, humility, and grace. But true love does not shy away from the truth. Instead, it points people to the beauty of God’s design and the hope of redemption through Christ.

Protecting the Integrity of the Church

One of the most important aspects of Synod 2024’s decision is that it protects the unity and integrity of the CRC. By requiring all ministers to affirm the traditional Christian teaching on marriage, we are safeguarding the theological coherence of our denomination. Without a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the historic teachings of the church, we risk fracturing into competing factions, each pursuing its own vision of truth.

This decision also provides clarity for our churches. There is no ambiguity about where the CRC stands on marriage and human sexuality. For pastors, elders, and congregations, this clarity is essential. It allows us to shepherd our people with confidence, knowing that we are standing on the solid foundation of Scripture. It provides assurance that our churches will continue to be places where the gospel is preached faithfully, and where the truth of God’s Word is upheld.

Moreover, this decision helps to protect our witness to the world. In a society where sexual confusion and brokenness abound, the church has a unique role to play. We are called to be a light in the darkness, offering a different vision for human flourishing—one that is rooted in the truth of God’s design. By standing firm on this issue, we offer the world an alternative to the shifting sands of cultural trends and human preferences. We offer them Christ.

Moving Forward in Hope

As we move forward from Synod 2024, we do so with a renewed sense of mission and purpose. The CRC’s decision to affirm the biblical teaching on marriage is not the end of a battle—it is the beginning of a new chapter in our calling to be a faithful, missional church. Now, more than ever, we are called to proclaim the gospel in both word and deed, offering the world not just a moral stance, but the hope and healing that come through Jesus Christ.

This decision will require continued prayer, wisdom, and discernment. There will be challenges ahead, and we must continue to engage in difficult conversations with humility and love. But we do so with the assurance that God is with us, and that He has called us to be faithful to His Word.

We also move forward with a renewed commitment to pastoral care. Many within our churches and communities struggle with questions of sexuality and identity. They need to hear the truth, yes, but they also need to experience the love of Christ through us. Our pastoral care must be marked by both conviction and compassion, offering support, guidance, and the hope of transformation in Christ.

Conclusion

The decision of Synod 2024 to affirm the Human Sexuality Report and require all CRC ministers to uphold the biblical teaching on marriage is a moment of great significance for our denomination. It is a victory for the gospel, a triumph of truth, and a testimony to the faithfulness of God’s Word. As we stand together in this decision, let us do so with humility, love, and unwavering trust in the Lord.

We are called to be a people set apart—distinct in our witness to the world, faithful in our proclamation of the gospel, and steadfast in our commitment to God’s Word. May the Christian Reformed Church continue to shine as a beacon of truth, grace, and hope in a world that so desperately needs it.

To God be the glory,
Rev. Michael DeVries

Chat GPT prompt:

write an article for the Reformed Journal from a woman CRC minister who has to leave the Christian Reformed Church because of the decision of Synod 2024 to not allow anyone to affirm same sex marriages in the church

When My Church No Longer Had Room: A Reflection on Leaving the CRC
By Rev. Emily Van Dyke

It is hard to imagine that I am writing these words today. As a woman ordained in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), I never thought I would find myself leaving the denomination that shaped me, nurtured me, and gave me a spiritual home. But after Synod 2024 made its decision to prohibit anyone in the church from affirming same-sex marriages, my path became clear. With a heavy heart and a deep sense of conviction, I am leaving.

This isn’t a decision I’ve made lightly. It comes after years of prayer, discernment, and heartache. I have loved the CRC, and still do, but the church that raised me no longer seems to have room for people like me—people who believe that God’s love is wide enough to include and bless all of God’s children, regardless of their sexual orientation. The decision of Synod 2024 closed the door on this possibility.

The Journey to This Moment

My journey to ordination in the CRC wasn’t easy. As a woman, I knew from the beginning that my place in ministry would be met with both celebration and resistance. But I felt called—called to serve, to preach the gospel, and to shepherd a congregation. The CRC, for all its challenges, offered me a home in which I could live out this calling.

For the past several years, however, another question has weighed heavily on my heart: What is the role of the church in affirming the dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ individuals? As I came to know and love people in the LGBTQ+ community—both in and outside the church—I wrestled with what it meant for the church to fully embrace them. Could we truly reflect the radical love of Christ if we continued to deny same-sex couples the opportunity to experience the sacredness of marriage?

As I studied Scripture, prayed, and listened to the stories of LGBTQ+ Christians, my convictions became clear. I believe that God calls us to affirm the love between two people, regardless of their gender. I believe that same-sex marriages can be holy and beautiful, and that the church should bless these unions. But the CRC’s official stance stood in stark contrast to this conviction.

Even so, I stayed in the denomination. I hoped and prayed that, over time, the CRC might open its heart to a more inclusive vision of God’s kingdom. I trusted that the Spirit was still at work, moving us toward greater understanding. But when Synod 2024 definitively prohibited anyone within the CRC from affirming or blessing same-sex marriages, it was clear that this hope was no longer tenable.

The Pain of Exclusion

The decision of Synod 2024 left me heartbroken. Not only for myself, but for the many LGBTQ+ people I have come to know and love in the church. Some have been part of my congregation, others have been friends, and still others have been colleagues in ministry. I have watched them faithfully serve, worship, and give of themselves to the life of the church, only to be told time and again that their relationships, their love, were not valid in the eyes of God.

This decision reinforced the deep pain of exclusion they already feel, and I cannot, in good conscience, be a part of a church that tells them they are unworthy of the same blessings I receive. I cannot remain silent as my denomination chooses to limit God’s grace in this way. To be silent would be to betray not only my friends and congregants, but my understanding of the gospel itself.

Why I Must Leave

I am leaving the CRC because I can no longer serve in a denomination that will not allow me to affirm the sacredness of all marriages, including same-sex marriages. As a minister, I have been called to proclaim the good news of God’s expansive love, and I believe that love includes the full affirmation of LGBTQ+ people and their relationships.

Synod 2024’s decision places me in an impossible position. It requires me to choose between my calling to love and affirm all people and my desire to remain in the denomination that shaped my faith. I have wrestled with this choice for a long time, and I have concluded that I cannot stay true to my calling and remain in the CRC.

Leaving the church that raised me feels like leaving home. It’s painful. But as I prepare to step away, I do so with the assurance that God’s call on my life has not changed. God is still calling me to minister, to love, and to proclaim the good news—and I will continue to do so, even if it must be in a different place.

A Future Beyond the CRC

As I look to the future, I don’t know where I will land. I am leaving the CRC without a clear sense of where God will lead me next. But I do know that the church is broader than any one denomination, and God’s kingdom is bigger than the Christian Reformed Church.

I remain hopeful because I have seen the ways in which God is working through communities of faith that are committed to justice and inclusion. There are churches that welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, that bless their marriages, and that see their relationships as sacred expressions of God’s love. I believe God is calling me to a place like that.

I leave the CRC not with bitterness, but with sorrow and gratitude. I am grateful for the ways this church shaped my faith, for the congregations I have served, and for the many ways God’s Spirit has moved within this denomination. I am also sorrowful, knowing that there are many within the CRC who will continue to feel the sting of exclusion and judgment because of their sexual orientation.

But I trust that God’s love is wider than any human boundaries, and that the Spirit will continue to work in ways that transcend our divisions. As I leave, I will carry that hope with me.

A Word to Those Who Stay

To those who remain in the CRC, especially those who share my conviction, I want to offer my prayers and my solidarity. I know that many of you are committed to working for change from within, and I respect and honor that choice. I know it isn’t easy. You will face resistance, and you will feel the weight of the church’s decisions in profound ways. But know that you are not alone. God is with you, and the Spirit is still moving.

To my LGBTQ+ siblings, whether you stay or leave, I want you to know that you are deeply loved by God. Your relationships are holy. Your love is beautiful. And there are churches, pastors, and communities who see you, affirm you, and stand with you. I am one of them.

In Christ’s peace,
Rev. Emily Van Dyke

Editor’s note. Rev. Emily Van Dyke is not a CRC minister. I asked chat GPT to write this.

Here is the prompt: “write an article for the Reformed Journal from a woman CRC minister who has to leave the Christian Reformed Church because of the decision of Synod 2024 to not allow anyone to affirm same sex marriages in the church”