Guardedly Hopeful

The Christian Reformed Church's General Assembly in 2015 convened at the height of the conflict.  It will certainly be remembered as one of the most difficult moments in the denomination's history.

Over the last year we have asked for your prayers on several occasions for our church partner, the Christian Reformed Church of Haiti (CRCH).  After the election of a new president in July, 2014, the denominational administration became embroiled in conflict.  In the fall of 2014, these conflicts lead to a cessation of our financial support for the CRCH.  In the spring of 2015, the entire denominational administration was closed.  As is sometimes the case in church conflict, it seemed that the denominational board was powerless to bring any discipline and order. 

This situation changed in July.  The founding pastor of the CRC of Haiti who was living in Florida came to Haiti to visit his family.  After consultation with a number of leaders, he imposed a “last-ditch” solution on the denominational board which included the removal of the president’s responsibilities and the creation of an interim coordination committee to run the denomination until the next General Assembly meets in 2016 to vote on a new president.  The Executive Director of the CRCH also resigned to facilitate the implementation of this solution.

It is sad that the denomination’s elected leadership could not resolve this conflict. It is very possible that a number of churches will leave the denomination in response.  Moreover, this situation reminds us of the sacred duty that all church members have in the election of elders, deacons, and officers for their churches and denominations.  We must be sober and prayerful as we chose our leaders since they will have the power to grow or to harm our ministries. 

We are working now to reactivate our relationship with the CRCH and assist in restarting several ministries.  We are hopeful that over the next few months basic ministries can be restored.