GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Christian Reformed Church (CRC) made history June 14 by electing a woman as vice president of its annual Synod — the first meeting in which women were allowed to serve as delegates.
Thea Leunk, pastor of Eastern Avenue CRC in Grand Rapids, was elected after finishing second in the vote for president on opening day of the CRC Synod meeting at Calvin College.
Pastor Joel Boot, of Georgetown Township, Mich., was chosen president.
Applause greeted Leunk’s election, and some saw the vote as the church’s way of celebrating the breakthrough after a nearly 40-year battle for women’s full clergy rights.
Boot, a third-time president, recognized the moment’s importance in his remarks to more than 180 delegates, 26 of them women.
"Sisters and brothers," said Boot, his voice quavering. "It’s been a long time in coming, that phrase, and this is a historic occasion. I consider it a distinct honor and privilege to be part of it."
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