A Roster of Ministers: Why?

Granted, RfA’s decision to launch a roster of welcoming and affirming RCA ministers might seem risky. We knew some might say the list only adds to the polarization that already exists in the RCA. So why did we do it? We offer three ways to answer that question, the most direct of which is, “Because…

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What Kind of Difference is This?

Wes Granberg-Michaelson served as General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America for 17 years. We are honored to welcome him today as a guest writer for Outsights!     For about two decades in the RCA my goal was to foster a climate receptive to ongoing dialogue around contentious issues of human sexuality, creating…

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Out on the Line

In my opinion and that of many others, General Synod 2016 was an unmitigated “train wreck” for LGBTQ Christians and their allies, and for the unity and ultimate fate of the RCA. For me, as I watched a steady stream of conservatives make their way to the microphones to insult our intelligence and knowledge of Scripture by reading…

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A Note of Encouragment

The following was sent to Room for All from Rev. Dr. Norm and Mary Kansfield. Norm is a former president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary and former General Synod Professor of Theology. Mary continues to serve faithfully as Room for All’s historian and archivist. They are both founding board members of Room for All. Room…

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General Synod Day 6

Today outsights welcomes RfA’s Executive Director, Marilyn Paarlberg, who, along with others, represented RfA at General Synod this year. Prayer After General Synod, 2016 (Based on “God of the Sparrow,” a hymn by Jaroslav Vajda. Tune: Roeder, by Carl Schalk. # 272 in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.) God of the lesbian, God of the gay, God…

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General Synod Day 4

Today OUTsights welcomes guest blogger, Synod guest, and board member Deb Tiemens.     When Room for All asked for space in which to hold an inclusive worship service today (the first Sunday of General Synod), the request was denied.  We instead worshipped and celebrated in the great outdoors, regardless of the wind and uncertain elements.…

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General Synod Day 3

This weekend, delegates from around the United States and Canada will convene in Palos Heights, Illinois to begin the Reformed Church in America’s General Synod. Over the course of these 6 days, OUTsights will be hosting reflections and prayers from Room for All board members and staff that are present as delegates or guests. Today…

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General Synod Day 2

This weekend, delegates from around the United States and Canada will convene in Palos Heights, Illinois to begin the Reformed Church in America’s General Synod. Over the course of these 6 days, OUTsights will be hosting reflections and prayers from Room for All board members and staff that are present as delegates or guests. Today…

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General Synod Day 1

Today, delegates from around the United States and Canada will convene in Palos Heights, Illinois to begin the Reformed Church in America’s General Synod. Over the course of these 6 days, OUTsights will be hosting reflections and prayers from Room for All board members and staff that are present as delegates or guests. Today we…

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