Schism (1): Lament for schism
Barry Gritters offers a poignant pastoral lament over a significant schism within the Protestant Reformed Churches, expressing deep grief over the fracturing of congregational unity, broken relationships, and families divided. Written in the style of biblical lamentation with liturgical language, the piece calls the church to prayer and mourning while wrestling with the spiritual pain of ecclesiastical division. This resource provides insight into a pivotal moment in PRCA history and the emotional and spiritual dimensions of church discipline and separation.
For almost 100 years Thy grace and mercy have kept these churches. In great weakness, but in the unity of the truth and the bond of peace, we have labored in the name of Jesus Christ. Now, we sit in distress. Distress deeper than most of us have known before. Brothers and sisters have gone out from us. Lovers have departed. Friendships are wounded. Families broken. Churches damaged. What has been so precious to us and which we have taken too for granted -- unity and fellowship in the truth of...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org