WCRC: a new day in Reformed history

By Jerry van Marter, UGC correspondent

More than 80 million Reformed Christians in 108 countries united Friday when the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) agreed to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).

The merger was the high point of the opening day of the Uniting General Council. Delegates hailed it as a historic moment in Reformed church history.

"I do believe it is God's intention that we live together in unity and I thank God for this momentous day," said WARC President Clifton Kirkpatrick.

The articles of union affirm "such an act of union is implemented not only in order to carry out the major aims for which both organizations have existed separately, but also in order to respond to God's call for service in the church and the world."

The REC approved the union without debate. WARC also approved the union after a brief but intense discussion led by delegates seeking assurance the organization's longstanding commitments to racial and women's justice will go forward.

Those underlying tensions rose again during consideration of a draft constitution. After more than 90 minutes of debate, the group amended the document to provide that "when a church sends four or more delegates [to General Council meetings], half shall be women." The drafting committee's recommendation was one-third women.

In a related action designed to ensure the participation of youth as well as women and men, the group increased from two to three the number of delegates accorded to churches with fewer than 100,000 members. Larger delegations already were mandated to include at least one delegate 30 or younger.

REC President Peter Borgdorff called the day's events a "construction zone" - proof that God is using all Reformed Christians to "build a new thing."

Shimaki Risea of the Reformed Church in Nigeria praised the new organization. "We are glad for this new formation, which will give us in Africa stronger representation to reach out to Europe, America and other places with our voices on behalf of Jesus Christ."