Worship in Pella, Iowa in the morning.
Lunch with the other delegates from my classis. We update each other on what happened in committee, before it is discussed on the floor. I shared what happened in our committee. They shared my unhappiness, but noted that the committee often doesn't reflect the synod floor's opinion, and that it may be reversed.
Then on to synod business - on the Lord's Day! This is atrocious. First year they are doing it, they tell me, to come home a day early. The post title is my own, not official, by the way. Mostly there were reports from other committees with little major decision needed from the synod. Most interesting was an overture asking for an official letter from RCA to President Bush against USA's endorsement of the "One-China" policy. Overture came from Taiwanese members of the RCA, oppressed by China. This was defeated, as passing it may cause problems for RCA missionaries in China.
A Kurd Christian spoke well. Said they are basically an unreached people with no nation of their own. 5% fo USA missionaries go to Muslim countries. Suggested sending to Turkey, where most Kurds reside, and which is currently seeking EU relations, and so would be open to such western influence.
Words of Hope report - great organization! In Iran they fund and train house leaders who leave the country, ostensibly on vacation! A house leader they trained had been arrested for suspected worship. The next day of synod (June 12) it was announced that he was released!
Had a fancy ecumenical dinner at night, with a Latino speaking on the benefits of the Belhar, though it was more a survey of Christianity in Southern and Northern America. Quite interesting! Lots of stats on how South America is overwhelmingly charismatic. The conservative part of the RCA leans charismatic, too, or at least pietistic (where feelings of spirituality and guidance direct one more than the Word).
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