time for people to get used to the idea of women preaching" in the CRC.
Vos said he did see some hope that over time opinions and attitudes would
change. He mentioned the example of his mother-in-law, an opponent of women
in office, who told him that if she was to hear a woman preach "she was
likely to listen better, and would not focus on the gender of the speaker."
Vos called the declaration of ordination, "a rich moment that you will
treasure, and that we will treasure as well," although in reference to the
intentional absence of delegates from two churches in particular, Vos said
"it is unfortunate that there are some who could not participate in good
conscience."
Two churches, Maranatha CRC in Woodbridge and Springdale CRC, both located
north of Toronto, sent letters to classisof the two councils, we do respect their
position."
Called by First Toronto as an "expounder" three years ago based on the
so-called "compromise decision" of Synod 1992, Hofman has pastored the since
that time and is no stranger to the classis. Her church is also home to a
homosexual support group called AWAre, or "As We Are," headed by church
member Dr. Hendrik Hart, who is also a professor at the Institute for
Christian Studies in Toronto. The group is controversial for many because of
its non-judgmental stance toward homosexuality.
Although appearing initially tentative at the beginning of the examination,
Hofman relaxed as the examination progressed, choosing her words carefully in
response to various questions. Rev. John Luth, co-pastor of First Barrie, was
the questioner in the area of practica, and Rev. Paul Stadt, co-pastor of
Georgetown CRC, led the