CRC2RCA 

For many reasons, including our historically shared faith, a number of CRC congregations will consider affiliating with the Reformed Church of America. Curated on the CRC2RCA site are resources for ministers, elders, deacons, church leaders and congregants to draw on during their discernment process.

Canadian Options

Local Denominations or Networks

We are aware of a new networks or denominations forming in the lower mainland of BC and Alberta. To be connected with a representative, use the email at the bottom of the page.

Clergy Support Memorial Church

Some ordained clergy are looking into this option for their credentialing. https://clergysupportmemorialchurch.ca/

The Good Table

From the Good Table: 

We are a newly forming Canadian network (association?) of ministers, churches and ministries. These are the shared values that many who are gathering about this table have identified as a common ethos amongst our distinctive traditions: 

https://thegoodtable.ca/who-we-are/our-shared-values 

We are pursuing the way of Jesus, seeking relational connections and mutual resourcing to live out an inclusive, power-sharing, common-good seeking, expression of faith for all people here in Canada. As a diverse group representing many traditions and expressions of Christian faith, we stand together in unity, keeping and cultivating what is good in our traditions while uniting together in a larger association. 

We are a work in progress, but already have local relational hubs in a few cities across Canada. We are incorporated, have applied for charitable status, are working on becoming a body to offer licensing. In the meantime we've found partners in many provinces willing to offer marriage licensing for ministers and are working on options for pensions and benefits with a national partner. 

For further information, contact: Elle@thegoodtable.ca

Independent Congregation

Most churches have their own charitable or not-for-profit status with their province and CRA and thus are able to function independently. It is imperative to make sure your by-laws are in good order as you disaffiliate. Disaffiliating churches have found it helpful to connect with the Canadian Council of Christian Charities.

Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) 

The PCC is a partner with the CRC - see this PCC webpage for comparisons and contrasts.

If you want to move your ministerial credentials to the PCC, see this page and scroll down to “For Ordained Ministers of Other Denominations” and click on that phrase to download a guide.  The fundamental starting place, listed in that document, is to contact:

Ministry and Church Vocations

c/o Marjorie Copeland, Administrative Assistant

Email address: mcopeland@presbyterian.ca

Telephone: 1-800-619-7301 or 416-441-1111, ext. 263

If interested in joining the PCC as a congregation, start with this doc.

Reformed Church in America (RCA) 

There are two classes in Canada (Ontario and the Prairies) who hold to a traditional view of marriage. However, with the current restructuring happening across the denomination, full participation or affirming pastors and churches can join any classis in the RCA. In order to have the option to pursue a possible future affirming/full participation assembly in Canada, though, we are encouraging all disaffiliating CRCers to join Classis Schenectady in New York.

Toward CRC Canada 

From Toward CRC Canada:

Given that I’m looking for a change in my relationship with the CRCNA, tell me about the Toward CRC Canada (TCRCC)?

As a movement of Canadian CRC members with deep appreciation for the past century in the bi-national CRC of North America, we’re now focusing on the need to express our faith in a uniquely Canadian way. We say this because we are all called to love God and our neighbour, we aim to live and share the gospel within our culture.

We are saying it is time for us to re-imagine the CRCNA as two separate national CRC denominations, each with their own full autonomy, and to do the restructuring necessary to make that a reality.  It’s exciting and inspiring to think of what we can do with the mandate, authority and space to shine God’s grace and love in every corner of our society!  It would also allow us to take our place as equal partners at the global CRC family table, with sister churches in the Philippines, Nigeria, the U.S., Nicaragua, and beyond.

Our goal is to honour CRC traditions while embracing our Canadian diversity. We want every member, especially those feeling disconnected, to find a welcoming home among us, with a commitment to love and compassion as our guiding principles. (For further details, see the TCRCC website: VISION and the Post-Synod 2024 Statement, July 12, 2024).

What is the time-line for this autonomy to be accomplished? 

The work currently being done by the Steering Team (of five members) consists of 

1. awareness-building (why a Canadian CRC is desperately needed), 

2. community-building toward a critical mass (gathering an increasingly large group of like-minded pastors, other leaders and congregations wishing to see this completed soon), 

3. building support for a Canada-wide CRC assembly of classis delegates called together by Classis Quinte; at that table there will be time and opportunity to deliberate our bi-national character and how it affects ministry in Canada.  Out of that we hope for a definitive communication to Synod 2025.

How can I be part of this movement, understanding that the time is short?

TCRCC is looking for ambassadors for this movement, folks who will speak up for a separate CRC in Canada in their church(es), classes and other networks; speaking to the necessity of Canadian self-determination and the complete contextualization and local accountability of ministry.  For those considering disaffiliation (either personally by way of a transfer of credentials or formally as a CRC congregation), we would encourage you to stay around long enough to add your voice and vote to the conversation.  

Contact chair: Everett Vander Horst: chair.towardcanadacrc@gmail.com

Contact Director of Engagement: Peter Bulthuis: pbulthuis.tcrcc@gmail.com