Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ

Synod 2023 has clearly confirmed the decisions of Synod 2022 and what the Bible has always said about human sexuality. This leaves no room to doubt where the Christian Reformed Church stands.

We thank brothers and sisters from a multitude of cultural, ethnic, and generational backgrounds who spoke to our common identity in Jesus, the powerful redeeming work of Christ in their lives, and the call to faithful obedience to Scripture.

The Abide Project leadership wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, faithful support, and enduring encouragement from both congregations and individuals.  We praise God for the work of delegates and committees and for the continuous, sustaining work of the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

Synod 2023 displayed the palpable tension among our churches. The weight of the decisions and the pain experienced has been felt by many on both sides of these issues. In spite of these difficulties, we are encouraged by the decisions of Synod to uphold our covenants and confessions, and their unchanged, historical understanding of human sexuality. Our confidence in renewal is strengthened by resolutions for mutual accountability among our congregations through the work of classes and church visitors. We thank brothers and sisters from a multitude of cultural, ethnic, and generational backgrounds who spoke to our common identity in Jesus, the powerful redeeming work of Christ in their lives, and the call to faithful obedience to Scripture.

The Abide Project reaffirms Synod's call to our churches to be places of gospel transformation for sinners. May we empathize with love and bear the burdens of one another, while proclaiming God’s truth clearly and unashamedly. We, as Christian Reformed churches, commit ourselves to heeding these calls and to continue the joyful work of living as Christ's faithful bride; building on the foundations that are laid in God’s word, as confirmed by past and, Lord willing, future Synods. We urge and welcome all members of our churches to join in this Kingdom work.  We have hopeful expectations for Synod 2024 that God will provide a path forward to greater and greater faithfulness.

The Abide Project reaffirms Synod's call to our churches to be places of gospel transformation for sinners.

Watch for continued Abide Project resources, articles, prayer gatherings and events throughout the year and into the next year.  Please also consider joining our Abide Convention, being held Thursday and Friday, August 3-4, at Calvary Church Oak Lawn just outside of Chicago as we urge one another to “Hold Fast,” reflecting upon Hebrews 10:23-25 together.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace.

In Christ alone,

The Abide Steering Committee