CRCNA's Human Sexuality Report

This version was approved by Synod 2011 of the Christian Reformed Church. Articles 2, 29, and 36 were referenced in the HSR.

This version was approved by Synod 2011 of the Christian Reformed Church. Questions 1, 80, 81, 82 and 108 were cited in the HSR.

The report resulting from a synodically-appointed committee to study the nature and extent of biblical authority.

The Christian Reformed Church’s 1973 synodical report on homosexuality. (24 pages)

"The present discussion of marriage guidelines has its roots in an overture sent to the Synod of 1971 by Classis Toronto. The overture requested synod "to appoint a study committee to draw up new guidelines for pastors and consistories in their care of (a) couples contemplating marriage, (b) couples involved in marital difficulties, (c) divorced persons, and (d) those who have been divorced and contemplate remarriage."

"Synod 1988 appointed a study committee composed of representatives from the areas of natural science, philosophy of science, and theology..."

"Appointed by Synod 1996, ...a study committee to give direction about and for pastoral care of homosexual members in a manner consistent with the decisions of Synod 1973."

"...Assemble a task force that will report to Synod 2012, to identify a biblical and Reformed perspective of our position on creation stewardship, including climate change, applicable to this millennium, for congregations, society, and our global gospel partners."

"Purpose of this letter: to give biblical guidance and pastoral care to the church regarding same-sex marriage. This paper is not meant to be our church’s statement regarding same-sex attraction but rather a response to members who have been asking for more direction and clarity regarding what the pastor believes that the Bible teaches us about same-sex attraction and how we should respond to our same-sex attracted brothers and sisters in the faith."

Numerous overtures from classes to study sexuality-related matters, to amend CRCNA Church Order (e.g. Article 69-c), or related to the Study Committee to Provide Pastoral Guidance re Same-sex Marriage.

"Classis Northern Michigan overtures synod to add the following proposed supplement to Church Order Article 69-c:"

"The biblical and theological basis for the CRC’s official position on same-sex marriage comes from a report to Synod 1973. This year [2016], a synodically-appointed Committee to Provide Pastoral Guidance re: Same-sex Marriage has submitted their report for consideration at Synod 2016. That synodical committee was instructed not to revisit the theological/biblical basis for the CRC’s current stance on same-sex marriage.

There has been significant theological consideration of these issues since 1973, both in the Reformed tradition and in the wider Christian church. Scientific understanding of same-sex attraction has grown during that time. In recent years, the social and legal landscape has changed considerably, with same-sex marriage becoming legal in Canada in 2005 and in the U.S. in 2015. The CRC’s latest official statement regarding biblical teachings on this issue is now more than forty years old. Classis Grand Rapids East has on two recent occasions unsuccessfully asked Synod for a re-examination of the biblical/theological arguments in the Synod 1973 report. In January 2014, in response to an overture from Sherman Street CRC citing these factors, Classis Grand Rapids East appointed its own study committee to produce this report."

This document details debate and action related to the Heidelberg Catechism, chastity, same-sex relationships, and related topics.