Rev. Evert Overeem of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PCN) brought greetings to Synod 2007. āWhatās the best way to congratulate the CRC in North America on its anniversary?ā Overeem asked. āPerhaps to tell you a story of three words Iāve picked up here and keep remembering: opportunity, privilege, challenge. The opportunity to be here at synod, the privilege of serving the kingdom, and the challenges you have to take on your shoulders sometimes. These are beautiful and inspiring words, and every time I hear them here, I take them back to the Netherlands.ā
Synod has debated in recent years the CRCās ecumenical ties with the PCN, restricting the relationship because of the problematic stance on homosexuality of the Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland (GKN), one of the PCNās founding churches. Said Overeem, āWhatever you do about our relationshipāthose are your reasons, not my reasonsādonāt forget those three words.ā
About the Author
Dan Postma is an occasional reporter for The Banner.