Dutch Reformed Church

Controversies

As a typically 'broad' church, it has always had difficulties accomodation theological differences. The church has undergone numerous schisms throughout its history. The first in 1618 led to the Remonstrant church. Other significant schisms include the Afscheiding (Separation) in 1834 and in the Doleantie (The Sorrow) led by Abraham Kuyper in 1886 and, unsurprisingly, the 2004 merger has led to a new schism.

Related Topics:
Remonstrant - Abraham Kuyper

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A number of congregations and members of the original Dutch Reformed Church separated to form the "Hersteld Hervormde Kerk" (Restored Reformed Church). Estimations of their membership vary from 35,000 up to 70,000 people in about 120 local congregations served by 88 pastors. They disagree with the plural constitution of the merged church which they allege contains partly contradicting Reformed and Lutheran confessions. This group also opposes practices like same-sex marriages or female pastors.

Related Topics:
Congregations - Hersteld Hervormde Kerk - Same-sex marriage

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