(By Dana Allin, Synod Executive for ECO). A few weeks ago, along with Jen Haddox and John Terech, I had the privilege of representing ECO at the General Council meeting of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) in Leipzig, Germany. The General Council meets every 7 years and consists of delegates from 220 member churches from around the world. ECO became a member of the WCRC in 2013 with the endorsement from the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRC) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), who were already members.
There are many great advantages to being a member of WCRC. For example, it validates us as a Reformed denomination across the world. Several instances have occurred where churches or institutions on other continents have received ECO pastors because of our WCRC membership.
The WCRC does some fantastic work around the globe. It has helped be a voice for numerous churches that are in the midst of political persecution. It has also helped fight justice issues such as human trafficking.
A seat at the table
Being in a larger communion, however, is not free from challenges. It was certainly obvious the leadership of the WCRC has a very progressive agenda. Several times it was stated that there couldn’t be a separation between justice and evangelism. However, there was never talk about the evangelism part of that inseparable connection – and helping people come to know the Good News of Jesus Christ. The WCRC has also not taken a stance on human sexuality. However, the leadership from the front continued to push for inclusiveness of ordained leaders. In their eyes, it is a justice issue above an interpretation of Scripture issue. Biblical Integrity is one of ECO’s core values. Thus, when and if the WCRC’s agenda comes into conflict with our values, please note that we will assess our membership in that fellowship.
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“The WCRC has also not taken a stance on human sexuality.”
“Also it does not help that one of you would say: ‘I will gladly confess Christ and His Word on every detail, except that I may keep silent about one or two things which my tyrants may not tolerate, such as the form of the Sacraments and the like.’ For whoever denies Christ in one detail or word has denied the same Christ in that one detail who was denied in all the details, since there is only one Christ in all His words, taken together or individually.” -Martin Luther
Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved.
Much like the UN and WCC, the WCRC trances its beginnings back to the immediate post war years of the 40’s where as was assumed by the UN, that great international, transnational organizations would be able to bridge national, or religious differences and a new age of peace, reason, and order would take foot.
70 years later, these transnational organizations, primarily made up of older mainline Protestantism has proven just as effective or efficient as the latest UN resolution on North Korea or Syria. If the ECOs, EPCs of the world seek a seat at that table, so be it for whatever its worth. But my question to the ECO folks, is how did that “Big Tent” PCUSA work out for you? And what exactly did you all get out of that bargain?
As far as matters of human sexuality, again for Leftist Protestantism, sex, sexuality, sexual behaviors is irrelevant to God or creation at best or, another protected minority group to lobby for at best in the name of social justice. And why exactly did you all leave the PCUSA?