GS 2019 Article 84 – CRTS – Board of Governors

1.   Material

1.1    Report of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary (CRTS), (8.2.7.1), Minister nomination for BoG – RSW (8.1.2), Minister nomination for BoG – RSE (8.1.4.), BoG nomination letter for non-minister (8.2.7.2),

1.2    Letters from the following churches: Willoughby Heights (8.3.4.1), Coaldale (8.3.4.2), Toronto-Bethel (8.3.4.3), Brampton-Grace (8.3.4.4)  

1.3    The letter received from Coaldale was incomplete and not signed and therefore declared inadmissible.

2.   Observations

  • 2.1    The report of the Board of Governors (hereafter “the Board”) provides an overview of its effort to ensure the continued operation of Theological College in Hamilton (CRTS). With the faithful support of the churches the work, training, and instruction at CRTS has continued without interruption since last general synod. The Board appreciates the contribution of non-teaching staff to the smooth running of CRTS, Since GS 2016, 12 students have graduated with an MDiv degree, 2 students with a BTh degree and 1 student with a Theological Studies diploma.
  • 2.2    The Lord took to himself Dr. J. DeJong on April 15, 2017. Mrs. Faber, the widow of  Dr. J. Faber, was also taken into glory on June 30, 2018.
  • 2.3    Dr. G.H.Visscher has informed the Board that he will retire D.V. after the 2019-20 academic year. Therefore the Board declared a vacancy in the New Testament department beginning September 2020.
  • 2.4    The faculty is active in visiting the churches in the federation as well as participating in teaching and speaking engagements overseas. Since 2016 there have been a number of faculty publications.
  • 2.5    The support of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) for CRTS is reflected not only in the students they send, but also in the significant financial contributions they make.
  • 2.6    The Pastoral Training Program continues to work very well. There is good cooperation from the churches in finding placements for the students, and the students continue to testify that the benefits for them are considerable.
  • 2.7    In 2013 CRTS received accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This accreditation is valid until spring 2020. CRTS submitted two reports to ATS since that time, which were accepted.
  • 2.8    On September 6, 2017, the Board, faculty, staff, and other invited participants held a strategic planning session. At this session, the existing strategic plan was reviewed and refreshed, a presentation on distance education was given, and there was development of new key thrusts and initiatives to be worked on over the next few years.
  • 2.9    Since the last Synod, the Board has dealt with the procedure regarding the appointment of the principal which requires an amendment to the By-laws. This change has been approved by the Board, but since all By-law changes need to be approved by General Synod, the Board hereby submits it for approval. The following is observed:
    • 2.9.1    The Board of Governors notes that according to the College Act, 5.11 a. The government, conduct, management and control of the College and of its property, revenues, expenditures, business and affairs are vested in the Board and the Board has all powers necessary or convenient to perform its duties and achieve the object and purpose of the College including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power, (a) through (f) omitted  (g) to appoint or remove the Principal;
    • 2.9.2    Meanwhile, Bylaw 12, 10.01 (b) stipulates: a.10.01 Composition and Powers – All appointments to the faculty shall be subject to the approval of Synod. The Board of Governors shall seek the advice of Synod with respect to the following matters … (b) the appointment of the Principal, and his power, function, and duty; … (d), the termination of a member of the faculty or the Principal.
    • 2.9.3    From the above it appears that these two are in conflict with each other, the one maintaining that the Board can appoint the principal, the other maintaining that a General Synod should be consulted beforehand.
    • 2.9.4    In recent years CRTS with Synod involvement, has transitioned from a rotational system (new principal every three years) to a more permanent system (with a Principal appointed for up to 9 years (3 renewable terms for 3 years each). There is general agreement that this new system works well as it allows for some more continuity for some years, without saddling one person with the task permanently.
    • 2.9.5    The involvement of a General Synod is, however, somewhat cumbersome with respect to the implementation of the new system for the following reasons.
      • 2.9.5.1   The end of each of the three years do not necessarily coincide well with the timing of General Synod with respect to re-appointment.
      • 2.9.5.2   One can imagine situations in which the need for a Synod to terminate a faculty member’s role as a principal would be problematic.
      • 2.9.5.3   Furthermore, if a person who is Principal wishes to be such no longer, or the CRTS community no longer wants him to be such, is it really beneficial and edifying for this to become a matter for a federational discussion through a Synod? Would it not be best to keep such discussions to the smallest circle, especially since the Act 1981 states that “the Board has all powers necessary or convenient to perform its duties and achieve the object and purpose of the College including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power … to appoint or remove the Principal?”
    • 2.9.6    Recommendations
      • 2.9.6.1   That Synod agree that, with a view to the smooth operation of the Seminary, the Board should be allowed to execute the power to the Act, Section 5.11 without limitation, and simply report at a Synod either what it expects will happen and/or report on what has happened with respect to the position of the Principal.
      • 2.9.6.2   That Synod agree to the following changes to Bylaw 12: a. That section (b) of Bylaw 12 10.01 be deleted b. That the words “or the Principal” be deleted from section (d) of Bylaw 12, 10.03.
      • 2.9.6.3   That once the above changes are made to the Bylaw, the Board be mandated by Synod to make the necessary consequential changes to the CRTS Handbook (CH).
  • 2.10  The Board responded to GS 2016’s interaction with the proposed basis of the Statement of Institutional Purpose (SIP) “CRTS submits to the infallible Word of God and is faithful the ecumenical creeds and the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort.” GS 2016 took over the proposal of the Dunnville CanRC and approved its wording: “CRTS submits to the infallible Word of God in the Old and New Testaments as summarized in the ecumenical creeds and the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort”. At the same time GS 2016 motioned the Board toward Toronto’s suggestion that the SIP should be an internal CRTS document. In conclusion, the Board is in agreement with the advice of Toronto, that the SIP is best understood as an internal policy document. With respect to the SIP, the Board informs Synod 2019 that it
    • [a.]      Adopts the word, “CRTS submits to the wording ‘CRTS submits to the doctrine of the infallible Word of God as summarized in the ecumenical creeds and the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort.’”
    • [b.]      Agrees to regard the SIP as an internal document, intended to support and in no way contradict the Act of 1981.
  • 2.11  The Board responded to GS 2016 (and Toronto)’s recommendation to mandate a comprehensive review of tenure policy of CRTS and provide a proposal at the next Synod. It proposes to maintain the current procedure of granting tenure to professors.
  • 2.12  The Board recommends:
    • [1.]      To receive this report and all its appendices.
    • [2.]      To acknowledge the expiration of the terms of office of Revs. J. Ludwig, R. Aasman, and br. B. Hordyk and to express gratitude for their work.
    • [3.]      Pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Act and Section 3.04 of By-Law 3
      • [a.]     To appoint, elect or re-appoint six active ministers to hold office until the next General Synod and to appoint at least three substitutes from each Regional Synod area, keeping in mind that the By-laws prohibit anyone from serving more than three consecutive terms and also keeping in mind that:
        • [i.]   The following brothers were appointed by Synod 2016 and are eligible to be reappointed for two more terms: from Regional Synod West, Rev. J. Poppe and Rev. J. Slaa; from Regional Synod East, Rev. J. Louwerse.
        • [ii.]  The following brother was appointed by Synod 2013 and is eligible for reappointment for one more term: from Regional Synod East, Rev. M.VanLuik;
      • [b.]     To reappoint brs. K. Van Veen and P. Vandersluis as Governors for a term lasting until the second subsequent General Synod.
      • [c.]     To reappoint br. C. Medemblik and F. Oostdyk as Governors for a term lasting from the date of re-appointment until the next subsequent General Synod.
      • [d.]     To appoint one new non-ministerial Governor for a term lasting from the date of appointment until the third subsequent General Synod, with a standby replacement candidate as well. The Board’s recommendation for these appointments can be found in a separate letter which also contain curricula vitae.
    • [4.]      To request the churches to continue to remember in their prayers the needs of Mrs. G. Deddens, Mrs. M. DeJong, Dr. and Mrs. N.H. Gootjes and Prof. J. Geertsema.
    • [5.]      To appoint Dr. J. VanVliet as Principal for the years 2019-2022;
    • [6.]      To approve the change to the By-laws described in this report;
    • [7.]      To maintain the current procedure of granting tenure to professors;
    • [8.]      To approve all other decisions and actions of the Board and of its committees for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 until the date of this Report;
    • [9.]      To express gratitude for the support from the Free Reformed Churches in Australia.
    • [10.]    To consider the audited financial statements and the report of the Auditors for the previous fiscal periods; to relieve the Treasurer of the Board of all responsibilities for these fiscal periods; to support and recommend the reappointment of DBK Accounting as Auditor until the next General Synod, subject to the discretion and direction of the Board.
    • [11.]    To acknowledge with gratitude the financial contributions of the Women’s Savings Action to the well-being of the Seminary.
  • 2.13  Willoughby Heights has no concerns with Synod deciding as the Board report recommends concerning Bylaw 12. This church presents two alternative options.
  • 2.14  Toronto-Bethel requests Synod not to accede to the request of the Board to change Bylaw 12. They question whether the Board correctly understands the current bylaws. It is their understanding that the by-law as worded now does not provide the authority or right of a General Synod to override, disagree with or otherwise interfere with a Board decision on the appointment or removal of a Principal. Rather, the bylaw establishes that the Board will seek the advice of Synod with respect to the appointment of the Principal and his power, function, and duty. It would seem that then the expectation was that the advice would be sought, with proper grounds, and rationale, and that advice would be given, which if properly set out, conveyed and considered, would be given serious consideration. This understanding of the bylaw would suggest that although the power remains with the Board with respect to the appointment of the Principal, there should be substantive and respectful dialogue around the matters for which advice is being sought. Given this understanding, the concern regarding the timing of Synod would be alleviated as well. The Board has the ability to make appointments and such during any 3-year interval between general synods, which could be made provisionally, subject to substantive dialogue and advice subsequently being sought. If Toronto-Bethel’s understanding is correct then no changes to the bylaws should be required.
  • 2.15  Brampton-Grace has a request (which they called an “appeal”) similar to Toronto-Bethel. It also addresses the concern of the Board about the cumbersome aspects of seeking advice of Synod and recommends that the Board be requested that CH 4.5. be changed to add a point 2.5. similar CH 5.1, 3.2 to have an interim appointment until General Synod has had the opportunity to offer advice.

3.   Considerations

  • 3.1    Synod notes with thankfulness that the work of CRTS could continue without interruption between GS 2016 and GS 2019.
  • 3.2    Synod notes with the sadness the passing away of Dr. J. DeJong and Mrs. W. Faber into glory.
  • 3.3    Synod is grateful for the faithful service of Dr. G.H. Visscher as professor of New Testament over the past 19 years and as principal of CRTS for 9 years.
  • 3.4    Synod is grateful to the FRCA for their continued involvement in CRTS, as well as their prayerful and significant financial support.
  • 3.5    Synod notes with gratitude that the Pastoral Training Program continues to be beneficial for the students and the churches.
  • 3.6    The Board request to approve all other decisions and actions of the Board and its committees is a legal requirement in accordance with the College Act.
  • 3.7    Toronto-Bethel and Brampton-Grace’s understanding is correct and no changes to Bylaw 12 are required.
  • 3.8    Brampton-Grace’s recommendation that the Board be requested that Ch 4.5. be changed ought to be passed on to the Board for their consideration.

4.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 4.1 To receive this report and all its appendices;
  • 4.2 To acknowledge the expiration of the terms of office of the Rev. J. Ludwig, the Rev. R. Aasman, and br. B. Hordyk and to express gratitude for their work;
  • 4.3. Pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Act and Section 3.04 of By-Law 3
    • 4.3.1    To appoint, elect or re-appoint six active ministers to hold office until the next General Synod and to appoint at least three substitutes from each Regional Synod area, keeping in mind that the By-laws prohibit anyone from serving more than three consecutive terms and also keeping in mind that:
      • 4.3.1.1   The following brothers were appointed by Synod 2016 and are eligible to be reappointed for two more terms: from RSW, Rev. J. Poppe and Rev. J. Slaa; from RSE, Rev. J. Louwerse;
      • 4.3.1.2   The following brother was appointed by Synod 2013 and is eligible for reappointment for one more term: from RSE, Rev. M. VanLuik;
    • 4.3.2    To reappoint brs. K. Van Veen and P. Vandersluis as Governors for a term lasting until the second subsequent General Synod;
    • 4.3.3    To reappoint br. C. Medemblik and F. Oostdyk as Governors for a term lasting from the date of re-appointment until the next subsequent General Synod;
    • 4.3.4    To appoint br. Alan Datema (alternate br. Brian VanderHout) as one new non-ministerial Governor for a term lasting from the date of appointment until the third subsequent General Synod;
    • 4.3.5    To appoint the Rev. C.J. VanderVelde (alternate the Rev. M. Jagt) as one ministerial governor from RSE;
    • 4.3.6    To appoint the Rev. R. Schouten (alternate the Rev. D. deBoer) as one ministerial governor from RSW;
  • 4.4    To request the churches to continue to remember in their prayers the needs of Mrs. G. Deddens, Mrs. M. DeJong, Dr. and Mrs. N.H. Gootjes and Prof. J. Geertsema;
  • 4.5    To appoint Dr. J. VanVliet as Principal for the years 2019-2022;
  • 4.6    To not approve the change to the By-laws described in this report;
  • 4.7    To maintain the current procedure of granting tenure to professors;
  • 4.8    To approve all other decisions and actions of the Board and of its committees for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 until the date of this Report;
  • 4.9    To express gratitude for the support from the Free Reformed Churches of Australia.
  • 4.10  To consider the audited financial statements and the report of the Auditors for the previous fiscal periods; to relieve the Treasurer of the Board of all responsibilities for these fiscal periods; to support and recommend the reappointment of DBK Accounting as Auditor until the next General Synod, subject to the discretion and direction of the Board;
  • 4.11  To acknowledge with gratitude the financial contributions of the Women’s Savings Action to the well-being of the Seminary.

ADOPTED

with members of the Board of Governors abstaining.