Abbotsford
Canadian Reformed Church
P.O. Box 66, Abbotsford, B.C., V2S 4N7

Richard VanLaar Jan 17, 2007
1524A Lamson Road
Abbotsford, BC

Dear Brother VanLaar

We are writing in response to your letter of Nov 20, 2006

We are deeply saddened by your refusal to heed the admonitions of consistory in its last letter to you. We remind you of your public promise in front of God and his church that you would "willingly submit to the admonition and discipline of the church". This is also clearly stated in God's Word in Heb 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account". You are clearly disobeying God's direct command.

You are also committing sin against the 9th commandment about which the Catechism Lord's Day 43 states: I must not give false testimony….not slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly or unheard."

Br VanLaar, in view of the above, the consistory has no choice but to withhold you from the Lord's table immediately.

Brother we appeal to you to repent and stop being a party to divisive actions that may lead to schism and breakup of God's Church. Read Titus 3:9 & 10 "But avoid foolish controversies...arguments and quarrels about law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person* once and then warn him a second time. After that have nothing to do with him." Brother this is a second such warning. (*See note NIV Study Bible)

Br VanLaar, we pray that you would repent of your divisive ways and as yet heed Consistory's admonition. We pray that you would return to full communion with God's true church here in Abbotsford and with our sister churches throughout the world.

For the Consistory


Casey Leyenhorst - Vice-Chairman

J. Dykstra - Clerk


Attachment to Letter dated Jan 17, 2007

Br VanLaar, because we are concerned about your spiritual well being, and that of your family, we will interact with the comments in your last & previous letters as follows:

First, let us state unequivocally that Abbotsford consistory and all its office bearers are committed to uphold the Churches confessions and church order. Specifically in the matters about which you have a concern, we state the following:

a) Consistory is committed to exercise church discipline as per Cat L/D 31 Q&A 85 and also Art 66 to 68 Church Order. It does this prayerfully and with much patience, as well as with many admonitions at times.
b) Consistory is committed to administer the sacraments in accordance with Confessions and Church Order and will continue to do so, With regard to Lord's Supper that also includes Cat L/D 30 Q&A 82 and Art 61 CO.
c) Consistory also is committed to issue and accept attestations and/or travel attestations as per agreement with the Federation outlined Art 62 CO.

Based on the above, brother, we believe that, for the most part we are in agreement on these important scriptural principles. Where we differ is in only two matters:

1) Synods 2001 decision to establish sister church relations with OPC/URC.

We are convinced that these churches are committed to live by the Word of God and uphold the Confessions just as we do, and therefore we agree with Synods decision to hold out to them the hand of fellowship. (refer Matt 18:20) While we recognize there may be shortcomings or a lack of insight or maybe a different view/interpretation on some matters with them, we hope and pray that with further discussion of such divergencies, we may in due time come to scriptural unity. (refer John 17:20 to 23) We have upheld Synods decision as we are bound to do per Art 31 CO "unless proven contrary to Gods Word."

2) OPC/URC are "false churches" because they are unscriptural.

You have not shown clearly how the OPC/URC are unscriptural or have failed to meet the requirements of Q & A 82 of the catechism. This Lords Day answer clearly spells out who are to be excluded from the Lord's Supper, namely "the unbelieving and ungodly." What this answer does not do, is spell out just how any church must see to it that this is done. Scripture also does not provide a clear "11th" commandment to go by. On the contrary it admonishes us to be patient and accommodating to the weaker brother who does not fully see things as we do. (see Romans chapters 14 & 15)

Both the OPC and URC have clearly stated they wish to live by God's Word alone as summarized in the Reformed Confessions, therefore if there are "minor divergencies" we need to help them find the way that most closely follows scripture. You accuse them of "unscriptural practices" but have given no scriptural proof of this. Chapter & verse Brother!! Is there a denial here of the Trinity or a denial of Christ's all-sufficient sacrifice or of God's grace or of other important principles of scripture and/or of the Reformed Faith as confessed in the 3 Forms of Unity? No there is not, there are only some differences in practice on which we hope and pray we may come to unity in the future. Should we not show love, patience and be charitable to those who share the faith with us. Refer Col chap 2

We do not legitimize an open Lord's Supper but neither do the URC/OPC. They confess and practice church discipline for their members as we do, but for visitors they practice a "restricted" admission policy by way of "verbal warning" and/or interview requiring a "credible confession". All visitors are encouraged and further instructed in the doctrine of the church which is their way of evangelizing. Scripture gives many examples of the disciples and apostles preaching and then baptizing those who verbally indicate they believe while instructing them more fully in the gospel by way of letters sent later.

We are convinced that you are totally wrong in ascribing to the OPC the designation of being a "false church" based on one divergency or weakness. (Refer Mark 9:40 "whoever is not against us is for us") We become very distressed when you support the Hoffords calling our sister church in Lynden a "false church" which by implication also makes us a "false church". Brother, you may have some valid concerns, but that is going too far.

In our letter we quoted you Titus 3:9 & 10. We draw your attention to the "notes" in the NIV Study Bible which gives a definition of a "divisive person". Quote "The Greek for this phrase became a technical term in the early church for a type of "heretic" who promoted dissension by propagating extreme views of legitimate Christian truths." Brother read further Titus 3:11 "You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self condemned." The note says "Stubborn refusal to listen to correction reveals inner perversion." Brother we truly hope that you will not persist to follow this unscriptural way.

We also do not agree the Hoffords have adequately followed the appeal process. Failing to do that means you have to acquiesce to the decision of Synod even if you feel you have been wronged. Certainly breaking up God's Covenant Church over a "minor divergency" is completely contrary to God's Word, God loves his church and our Lord Jesus Christ has died for his "Bride" and its sheep. The Church is His treasured possession and He will not take it lightly when his church is maligned.

Brother you are entitled to your "narrow view" and you are entitled to disagree with Synod but to call his church "false" when she tries in every way to be faithful to scripture is unacceptable. To promote schism in the church is wrong and contrary to scripture.

We once again admonish you to repent from your divisive ways and pray that you return to full communion with the brothers and sisters in the Abbotsford Canadian Reformed Church congregation and with their sister churches throughout the world.