The Protestant Church in the Netherlands is the largest protestant church in the Netherlands in terms of membership. It is the continuation of three former churches, the Netherlands Reformed Church, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and it exists as from May 1st, 2004.
For those who understand Dutch more detailed information about the PCN is to be found on our Dutch website. Our English webpages are still under construction, but we hope to improve them soon.To make you understand the significance we attribute to our unification we refer to the 'Declaration on unification' as signed by representatives of the three churches directly after final synodical decisions had been taken, on December 12th, 2003.

Synod of the Protestant Church
Today the gathering of the synod of the Protestant Chuch started with a morning prayer . The delegates of the regions will talk in the next days about a lot of issues.
The main discussion is about the vision for the coming year (see message below).
In addition, among other things the following items will be discussed:

• Catechetical teaching   
• Professional code and rules of conduct for pastors of the church     
• Four-yearly report of the general visitation board.  

Rev. Hendrikse: '‘God does not exist and Jesus is his Son’
In his book ‘God does not exist and Jesus is his Son’ rev. Hendrikse writes about his thoughts regarding the origin of Christian religion and about the value of the range of ideas which has been preserved in the Christian church through all ages. His intention herewith seems to be a liberation of oppressing dogmas and a new search for the meaning of the words of faith. This book will have to be judged by it own merits. However, those who have read the first book of Hendrikse, Believing in a God who does not exist, will not be surprised by the second. The first book leaves little or no room at all for a unique purpose of Jesus Christ for us humans, the second confirms this.

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‘The heartbeat of life’
The Protestant Church in the Netherlands wants to make clear that there is ‘more’ than what occurs in daily life, ‘more than our possibilities and impossibilities, more than the dull repetition of moves’.
This is the key-note of the new vision memorandum ‘The heartbeat of life’ which was presented by the synod board of the Protestant Church to the general synod, a key-note full of ‘faith, hope and love’.

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Europe
To many ‘Europe’ seems to have become a dirty word. Because the only issues at stake are the  (economical) obligations and the crisis we are sucked into by certain European countries. Actually it is often not about Europe but only about the euro. Politicians and policy makers take the lead in this and the media en the people follow. Above all Europe seems to have become a problem.
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Encounter and dialogue
In which manner are Jewish and Christian Faith, the land of Israel and the Palestinians playing a part in the identity of Jews and Christians. This was the crucial question during a conference in Nes Ammim, Israel, in which eight members of the Jewish community and eight representatives of the Protestant Church participated.
The meeting was organized on account of the tensions which arose last year in the relationship between the Jewish community and the Protestant Church.
In the final declaration is spoken about the combined challenges and the plans for cooperation. It also establishes that “Jews and Christians need one and other. The secularisation and hardening of the social climate ask for people who from their faith, ideals and compassion look for depth and solidarity. This is a combined assignment for Jews and Christians.”

In the final declaration is spoken about the combined challenges and the plans for cooperation


 
Column: More than being touched
The enormous reductions on the budgets of organizations for development cooperation have been accepted almost silently. Obviously there is a broad opinion in our society that we can cut back a little here. Development cooperation as a luxury to put aside when we need to economize. Soon expressions about ‘sticky fingers’ and ‘a bottomless pit’ are heard.

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Column: On the eve of May 4th and 5th
Osama bin Laden is dead. He, who was responsible for the death of many innocent citizens has now been shot himself. This terrorist personally declared war and did not shy away from any means. Now he himself was killed in this war.
It did not come to a trial. In itself that is a pity. Put in a war situation this death can be placed.

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Synod Board writes Prime-Minister on situation of Christians in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan
The Synod Board of the Protestant Church calls upon the government to pay attention to the difficult situation of minorities in Iraq, especially the Christians, because they seem to be a preferred target of extremists at present.

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It is seemly for us to sing God’s praise
During the opening of the small synod (November 26th) hymn 301 was sung: ‘It is seemly for us to sing God’s praise’. Words from theologian and poet Willem Barnard, who died on Sunday November 21st and was buried on Friday November 26th. The melody is from the well-known organist and composer Willem Vogel, who died early October. In one and a half month the church lost two old masters of the Dutch hymn. Both of them reached the age of ninety years. Read In Memoriam



The month of spirituality
The month of November is the month of spirituality. The month in which autumn has lost its magic and the white world of Christmas has not arrived yet – should precisely this month qualify as month of spirituality? ‘Like this all outside support is lost for the spirit,’ according to Arjan Plaisier, secretary of the synod of the Protestant Church. ‘Or is precisely the bareness and greyness of nature the invitation to take the path inward?’ Read more



Synod discusses Islam memorandum
Utrecht, October 25th 2010 – The encounter with Muslims in the Netherlands is a challenge and an enrichment for the Christian congregation. In the encounter with Muslims it is about integrity and respect. This is written in the Islam memorandum which will be discussed by the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands on Friday November 12. In the encounter with Muslims it is for the church about honesty about the own identity and about respect for the faith of Muslims. Also the church is called to have special attention and care for Muslims who want to follow Christ.
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General Synod of the Protestant Church puts ‘Speaking about God’ on the agenda
On November 11^th the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands will enter into ‘Speaking about God’. With this the synod addresses the many questions which have been posed lately and the many discussions about God which have been held in- and outside of the church.
Many people believe in God, but as soon as you want to describe who God is, it seems to become a problem. How do you speak about God? And based on what can people say something about God? Does God answer to the experience of people or is He just an empty notion? And how does the church bring God up for discussion?
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Full of hope
Many churches in the Netherlands start the church-season after the summer holidays with a special Sunday, usually in September. It’s a festive day where the various groups in the church often present.
This start of the season the Protestant Church in the Netherlands published for the second time a paper: ‘Full of hope’. Hope is the second theme from the triad ‘faith – hope – love’ which presents the Protestant Church. In this paper well-known and lesser prominent Dutch people tell about their hope for something or someone. 
Here  you can read this paper.

Protestant Church seals association-agreement with Presbyterian Church of Ghana
The general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands has decided to seal an association-agreement with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The classical assemblies will be heard on this decision in the upcoming months.
The reason for this is that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana explicitly chooses to maintain a close relationship with members of this church settling outside of Ghana and starting to form a congregation there. 

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	Scepticism and hope 'Israel and the Palestinians met last week in the White House, after both parties had been invited urgently by president Obama. This meeting was a miracle in itself', so says rev. Peter Verhoeff, chairman of the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. '  Read more

 10-10-10
Appie Baantjer, famous Dutch author of the detectives about inspector De Cock, worked as a copper in Amsterdam. Thanks to his Christian upbringing he held his ground amidst the misery he came across. In an interview he once said: “I think it suffices if a policeman knows the Ten Commandments.”  That is why dr. Arjan Plaisier, secretary of the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, thinks it is a good idea to call attention to the Ten Commandments again": 'And which day would be more suitable for this than Sunday October 10, 2010. Yes, this is indeed 10-10-(20)10.'  Read more. 



Pakistan
 'To us a river is ‘a problem for bridge-builders’, says Arjan Plaisier, secretary general synod of the Protestant Church, 'but in other parts of the world the river is ‘a strong brown god; implacable, keeping his seasons and rages, destroyer, reminder of what men choose to forget.’(T.S. Elliot). Such a river is the Indus in Pakistan...'
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 Concern about intention to burn Koran
August 25th 2010 - With concern the Board of the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands took notice of the intention of the minister of a small religious community in Florida to burn a copy of the Koran at the memorial of September 11th 2001. In a statement the board writes: "Many of our partners worldwide have experienced inter-religious violence. Precisely they – as in Indonesia and Egypt - point out the disastrous character of actions like this.
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Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling (New Bible Translation - NBV) designated for use in worship
April 22^nd 2010_ Thursday the general synod decided in her assembly in Lunteren to designate the Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling (New Bible Translation - NBV) for use in worship next to the Statenvertaling (Staten Bible) and the NBG-translation (NBG = Nederlands Bijbel Genootschap = Dutch Bible Association). At the end of a five-year-testing period of the NBV the synod board proposed this to the synod, after having consulted the classical assemblies. In 2004 the general synod  released the NBV for testing.
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Synod adopts regulation for permanent education
In future ministers and religious workers will continue a program of permanent education during their entire career. This was decided by the general synod of the Protestant Church on Friday, April 23rd 2010. The decision-making on the appointment of HVE-theologians as minister-vicar in congregations which can not call their own minister was postponed.
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Easter
Forty days is the preparation time for Easter. For forty days the colour is purple and it is the time of repentance. For many it is the time of abstinence. For forty days we have followed Jesus and deeper and deeper He came into the shadow of the cross.
Nevertheless these forty days were no gloomy days. Not forty days without joy. We already knew of Easter. Especially on Palm Sunday this filtered through. All the time we knew that the light had to be broken in order to be able to break into this world. The broken light, which is the broken body of Christ. Read the column of dr. A.J.Plaisier.

Protestant Church writes letter to Israeli government (24-02-2010)
Utrecht, February 18^th 2010. Today moderator reverend P. Verhoeff and general secretary Dr. A.J. Plaisier handed over a letter from the board of the general synod to the ambassador of Israel in the Netherlands, mr. H. Kney-Tal.
The board writes this letter with reference to ‘A moment of truth’, written by Palestinian Christians. According to the board this document should not be understood as a negative call which turns against Israel, but as a call for justice and peace.
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Confessional speaking about God (12-02-2010)
A great deal has been written about Rev. Hendrikse. Also a lot of comment has been given meanwhile on the decision of the classical assembly of Zierikzee not to start a disciplinary procedure against him because of his conceptions. Therefore secretary Dr. A.J. Plaisier clarifies a number of things. He does this in an article in Reformatorisch Dagblad? (February 11, 2010). Read more

 

Booklet with 30 promising missionary models
The Missionary Team of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands made a booklet with 30 promising missionary models. It is a condensed version of the file in which these models are presented extensively, with tangible action-plans. The models originate from practise: they are missionary chances which were already put into practise in a religious congregation. This booklet is meant to browse in. Not to do everything at the same time, but to make a choice from it.
For information, literature and examples, go to www.pkn.nl/missionair/MM30

'Faith in progress' - information on the (world) diaconaly and missionary work of KIA (Kerk in Actie = Church in Action)
In the brochure Faith in Progress is information on the programs and projects of KIA. Worldwide KIA supports partner organizations working in the area of among others climate, education, healthcare, peace building, sustainable and just economical development and mission. In the Netherlands this brochure is used by diaconal boards en church committees which are engaged in mission, world poor relief and development cooperation. Therefore some parts of the brochure refer to websites in Dutch or contain information which is especially meant for these groups. Read more

 

Management church ministries: continue cooperation Kerk in Actie (KIA - Church in Action) and ICCO 
The Protestant Church should continue the cooperation between KIA and ICCO, so the management of the church ministries writes the synod in the memorandum “Testimony and Service”. The management pleads for prolongation of the agreement between KIA and ICCO. Read more

Protestant Church: ‘Separation church and state of great importance’  (22-10-2009) 
In our country the churches have no seats in parliament. And the Balkenende administration may never interfere with the procedures in the Protestant Church. Before the law everybody is equal and there is separation of Church and State.
But the actual meaning of this principle regularly is subject for discussion. For example there is freedom of religion which may collide with other constitutional fundamental rights, like the freedom of speech. Read more 

Synod discusses report evaluation church order (29-10-2009) 
‘Because of the shrinking of the Protestant Church it becomes more difficult to meet all demands on organization and quality set by the church order.’
This is the conclusion of the committee evaluation church order which recently investigated the functioning of the rules of the game of the new church order in practice. She made extensive inquiries with consistories and all over-local professional boards and colleges. Further she received reactions from guiding organizations, individual church members and professionals. Read more 

Bible, Kor’an and suicide attacks: a seminar on transforming images of the enemy 
The role of religion in situations of conflict is very much debated. Certain people legitimize the use of violence, including suicide bombing, based on texts from the Holy Scriptures. Others look to religion as a resource for peace-building. How should we read texts in the Bible and the Kor’an which speak of ‘the others’ as enemies? Is ‘transforming reading’ possible? Read more

Prime Minister Balkenende receives giant ‘glossy’ newspaper “Wij geloven” (= We believe). 
Friday afternoon Prime Minister Balkende received the ‘glossy’ newspaper “We believe” from the hands of Dr. A.J. Plaisier, secretary general of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. Read more

500^th birthday anniversary: Calvin no saint, but source of inspiration (10-7-2009)

‘Calvin was no saint, but an inspiration. His view on social and public questions is still inspiring in our days.’ According to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) in a declaration on the occasion of the 500th birthday of Calvin, which will be celebrated worldwide on July 10th 2009. Read more; Appendix by Calvin

Protestant Church and Oikocredit are going to cooperate (30-6-2009) 
Oikocredit Netherlands and the Protestant Church in the Netherlands have made an affiliation contract. This renewed cooperation means that the Protestant Church and Oikocredit Netherlands together provide information on the Oikocredit loan model to local diaconal boards, congregations and church members. The purpose is to produce as many investments as possible in Oikocredit, one of the largest micro-credit organizations worldwide. Read more

Small synod agrees with selection criteria for suppliers of member administration.  (26-6-2009)
Today the small synod approved the selection criteria for suppliers of the new system for the national registration of church members which has to be developed. With the determined criteria possible suppliers will be assessed and this will finally result in a shortlist of three suppliers. In principle this shortlist will become known on July 31. Subsequently in august the final choice will be made for an intended supplier. If everything works out according to plan the new member registration system will be operational in the fall of 2010. Read more   

Sexual abuse in pastoral relationships
In connection with the broadcast of Zembla of June 22 2009 on sexual abuse in pastoral relationships the board of the general synod declares: 
The Protestant Church unconditionally condemns crossing of borders and sexual abuse in pastoral relationships. The board of the general synod underlines once more the statement of the synod in January 1999: ‘Sexual abuse is a sin: evil in God’s eyes and an injustice towards the fellow man. The church is obliged to choose straightforward for the victims.’   Read more 

Meeting secretary general Plaisier with Dalai Lama (June 5th 2009)
Human dignity, the possibilities for interreligious dialogue and religious freedom were central in the discussion of religious leaders with the Dalai Lama which took place this morning in The Hague. At the invitation of foreign secretary Drs. M.J.M. Verhagen secretary general Plaisier was present at a meeting with the Dalai Lama. Rabbi A.S. Soetendorp, Drs. L.F.M. van Oers, Episcopal staff member for the interreligious dialogue and the Dean of The Hague, Dr. A.J.M. van der Helm also took part in the conversation. Read more

Annual accounts of the Protestant Church and of the Church Ministries show positive results. (28-5-2009)
Utrecht, May 28th 2009 – The annual accounts 2008 of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands and of the Church Ministries show a positive result for 2008. Mainly by higher income from bequests and the positive result of the Church Ministries the assets of the Protestant Church increased by 2,6 million Euros. The Church Ministries recorded a balance of € 643.000, which could be added to the risk reserve. 4,6 million Euro is added to various destination reserves. Herewith work will be paid, for which obligations have been made or work that can only be started up in the future. Read more

Conference against racism (25-5-2009)
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Program Combating Racism (PCT) of the World Council of Churches an international conference takes place in the conference-centre ‘Kaap Doorn’ from June 14-17, 2009. Read more

Reverend Peter Verhoeff new chairman of the general synod (23-4-2009)
In her assembly of Thursday April 23rd the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands has chosen rev. Peter Verhoeff, vicar in Alkmaar, as her moderator.
Further the synod elected elder/steward mister Bert van Bokhoven as new member of the synod board.
Re-elected were three members of the board: Mrs. Rev. Susanne Freytag, Dean Mrs. Ria de Jong LL.M. and Dean Drs. Hans Kapteyn. In 2007 Mrs. Rev. Arenda Haasnoot has been elected vice-moderator till 2011. Further the secretary, dr. Arjan Plaisier, is part of the synod board. Read more

Appendix by article: "Reverend Peter Verhoeff new chairman of the general synod (23-4-2009)"
   -   Address Reverend P. Verhoeff – general synod 23rd April 2009
   -   Farewell speech Reverend De Fijter

Proposal Protestant Church: organize pastoral care for students differently.
Category-pastoral care on synod agenda for the second time
Utrecht, March 31st 2009 – In a memorandum on category-pastoral care the Church-ministry of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands proposes changes in pastoral care for students. The intention is to link student vicars to the national church. Aside from that is proposed to finance projects for pastoral care among students. In the assembly of April the synod will discuss category-pastoral care for the second time based on the memorandum. Read more

General Synod reviews Church-ministries-policy
Utrecht, March 31 2009 – At the assembly of the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands in April the policy for the Church-ministries is reviewed and established. In this policy are the topics of the work that Church- ministries wants to accomplish for the Protestant Church and her congregations. Guiding for that is the vision-document ‘Learning to live out of wonder’.  Read more

Five years Protestant Church
Utrecht, April 3 2009 – The board of the general synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands requests the church boards to pay attention ‘in a modest way’ to the forming five years ago of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands during worship of April 26 or May 3. On May 1st 2004 the unification of the Netherlands Reformed Church, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Kingdom of the Netherlands took place. In a letter sent this week
the church boards are called to do intercession for the (national) church and the work of the church. Read more

IKON and Protestant Church launch unique website for people in their thirties
The Protestant Church in the Netherlands and the inter-religious broadcasting company IKON launched the site ‘Geloofinjeleven.nl’[1], a website for people in their thirties ‘to surf through existential- and faith questions’. It is the first website of its kind in the Netherlands.
[1] geloof in je leven = believe in your life as well as faith in your life
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Psalm singing between Easter and Pentecost
In the scope of the Calvin year the Protestant Church organizes five psalm singing evenings between Easter and Pentecost. In Middelburg, Kampen, Gouda, Groningen en Dordrecht devotees can sing along with the psalms on the tunes of Calvin’s time and in the reciting manner as was done in the convents. But also on modern melodies, like the psalms of Huub Oosterhuis en the more popular ‘Psalms for today’.
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Steering committee “Work in the vineyard” comes with final report
Utrecht, March 31, 2009 – Steering Committee ‘Work in the vineyard” presented the Board of the General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands with its final report “Hand to the plow”. In the report proposals are being made on nine topics offering guidance to the changing processes which the steering committee considers to be necessary. The proposals concern the mutual support to congregations, the career development of the vicar, the alliances between vicars and religious workers, the guidance of the cooperatives and the position of religious workers. The report will be discussed in April during the assembly of the general synod.
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Final report of the steering committee “Work in the vineyard”
On Friday 24th of April 2009 the final report of the steering committee “Work in the vineyard” will be discussed by the General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. In November 2008 the synod discussed key decisions presented to her by the Steering Committee in the report “Past the turn-out, the tracks and the railroad ties”. The synod-discussion was followed by an intensive exchange of views with various levels in the country. Based on all reactions the Steering Committee again presents the synod with key decisions. These decisions will be discussed by the synod.
Read the final report (opens in pdf)

The PCN logo explained
The circle symbolizes unity. It also refers to God’s perfection. He is the beginning and the end (Apoc. 22, 13). Some would recognize in the circle also a sign of God’s wonderful creation, our world.

The lighter cross won’t need an explanation. As in the former UPCN logo we chose the simplest form: the Greek cross.

In the nimbus we also see an eight arm cross, a composition of the Greek cross and the Greek letter Chi, referring to Christ Jesus. Another explanation reminds us of the eighth day creation, the new beginning of Eastern.

In the middle we see a dove, sign of peace, and sign of the Holy Spirit. Biblical connotations are abundant. The dove in the story of Noë. The name of Jonah. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus.

Altogether the logo reminds us of the Triune God.