ICRC 2026: Press Release Day 4 (Oct 20)
The fourth day of the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) began with devotions led by Rev. Laurens den Butter from Ephesians 3:14–21. He reflected on Paul’s prayer for the spiritual growth of the believers in Ephesus, emphasising the work of the Holy Spirit, the importance of growing in faith, and the glory of God as the chief concern of the church.
The conference continued with member church reports from the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Central and Eastern Europe, the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. The reports highlighted developments and challenges in evangelism, church planting, theological education and interchurch relations. Delegates also heard of the severe impact of the war in Ukraine on congregations in the region, as well as the serious internal divisions facing the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands over disagreements concerning homosexuality and the ordination of women. The ICRC had taken due note of the matters troubling the CGK and expressed its fellow feeling for the denomination. The conference also requested that the CGK delegates convey these sentiments to their denomination.
The Theological Education Committee (TEC) presented its report, outlining its work in organising a theological education conference, maintaining the ICRC Seminary Directory, and facilitating communication among member churches regarding theological education. The committee expressed appreciation for the support of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS) and the advisory committee recommended that sufficient funds be made available for future theological education conferences to enable delegates from less affluent churches to attend. The report and recommendations were adopted by general consent, without objection.
The afternoon session continued with member church reports from the Canadian Reformed Churches (CanRC), the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS), the Reformed Churches in Brazil (IRB), the Reformed Churches in Indonesia (GGRI), and the Independent Reformed Church in Korea (IRCK). The reports highlighted both encouraging developments and significant challenges, including the effects secularisation and cultural pressures, the training of future ministers, and internal tensions within some denominations. Delegates were encouraged to pray for churches affected by conflict, for unity and faithfulness amid internal divisions, and for the continued growth of Reformed churches and theological education.
The day concluded with regional interchurch relations meetings, followed by bilateral meetings between member churches.