In a significant turn of events within the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), the historic First Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is set to part ways with the denomination after nearly 168 years of affiliation. This decision has emerged amid ongoing tensions surrounding the CRC’s stance on LGBTQ inclusion, a topic that has sparked intense discussions across various Christian communities.
First Christian Reformed Church, established by Dutch immigrants in 1857, has long been a foundational pillar of the CRC. Known for championing women’s leadership and advocating for social justice, the church has prided itself on being a progressive voice within a traditionally conservative denomination. However, the recent synodical decisions have prompted a reevaluation of its alignment with CRC doctrine.
Thomas Hoeksema, a regional representative of the CRC, expressed the deep emotional impact of this separation. “They are clearly grieving,” he noted, highlighting the pain felt by members who have dedicated their lives to this congregation. The church’s leadership council, which includes ministers, elders, and deacons, has been engaged in discussions about sexuality since 2018, striving to reach a consensus while allowing for diverse perspectives.
Ultimately, the church articulated a position that welcomed all members to participate fully in its life and ministry, regardless of sexual identity. This inclusive stance, however, did not align with the CRC’s official teachings, which were codified in 2022 to explicitly oppose homosexual relationships. The 2024 synod further solidified this divide by mandating all congregations to conform to its teachings or face separation.
As of now, 23 out of nearly 1,000 congregations have expressed intentions to disaffiliate from the CRC, with many more engaged in critical conversations about their future. In Classis Grand Rapids East alone, ten churches are in the process of disaffiliating. The First Church’s leadership, while maintaining that their stance was not an affirmation of same-sex relationships, found themselves at odds with the denomination’s increasingly rigid policies.
Darrin Compagner, pastor of Shawnee Park CRC, emphasized the relational impact of this separation, likening it to “Velcro pulling apart.” The emotional toll is palpable on both sides, as families and friendships are strained by differing theological interpretations. The First Church has been a model for many congregations, leading initiatives for women’s leadership and social justice, making this split particularly poignant.
The CRC does not maintain ownership of individual church properties, which may lead to a less contentious separation compared to other denominations that have faced legal battles over church assets. However, the emotional ramifications are significant, as congregations prepare to part ways with long-standing relationships and shared history.
As First Christian Reformed Church moves forward, it is exploring various avenues for its future. Options include becoming an independent congregation or aligning with other denominations that share similar theological perspectives, such as the Presbyterian Church (USA) or the United Church of Christ. The church is also considering a return to the Reformed Church in America, from which it originally separated.
A final vote on disaffiliation is set for March 2, and the church plans to hold a "Night of Remembering" event to reflect on its rich history within the CRC. This gathering aims to celebrate the church’s legacy while acknowledging the sorrow of the impending separation.
In a broader context, this split mirrors a trend seen across many American denominations grappling with issues of LGBTQ inclusion. From the United Methodist Church to the Episcopal Church, many congregations are finding themselves at a crossroads, forced to confront their theological beliefs in light of contemporary societal changes.
For those seeking to understand the implications of this split, resources such as the Christian Reformed Church’s official site and Christianity Today provide valuable insights into the ongoing discussions within the denomination. As these conversations continue, the impact on congregations and communities will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.