At its Annual Meeting last November, HDC’s full board, i.e., HDC Officers and Representatives from CRC member congregations, unanimously approved revisions to the bylaws opening congregational and diaconal participation to beyond Christian Reformed congregations.*

According to HDC Executive Director, Jack Kooyman, “For a number of years we have supported and encouraged our member congregations to develop partnerships with other churches in their work with and in their shared communities. Opening HDC involvement to beyond CRC congregations was and is an important and practical way for us to practice and model this as an organization.” Kooyman also noted, “It is especially encouraging that this decision occurred during a time when there was and continues to be so much division in many churches and denominations. I remain proud of and grateful to HDC’s leadership for their decision.”

Presently, three of six HDC Officers attend other than CRC congregations. HDC will continue implementing outreach strategies that initially reach out to non-CRC churches with whom they already have some type of relationship.

It is the hope of HDC’s leadership that inviting and including participation from the broader Christian community will help to more effectively advance HDC’s mission to “encourage, support, and equip deacons, church members, and partners to collaborate in Christ-like acts of mercy, justice, and compassion that transform lives and communities, reflecting and advancing God’s reign.”

*ARTICLE IV

CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP

All past and present deacons from Classis Holland congregations of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), local Reformed Church in America congregations, and churches belonging to denominations affiliated with the World Communion of Reformed Churches, both established and emerging, will be eligible and encouraged to participate in the meetings and activities of the Conference. Members of other denominations or congregations will be considered upon request.