The Christian Reformed Church synod voted to bar LGBTQ people from its congregations…
On June 15, Rev. Dave Struyk spoke out in support of his gay son,
on behalf of the pain that was caused to many LGBTQ+ people.
Because of the message we sent to many LGBTQ+ people —including my son— I will be leaving synod in protest.”
Struyk said on the synod floor the day before that his son Ryan has inspired him. Ryan Struyk came out as gay to his pastor father 12 years ago and has a strong faith and love for the church.
Dave Struyk told The Banner on his way out,
I’m not doing this for attention.
What’s hard is the sense that a group at synod wasn’t really open to deliberation and, unfortunately, they had the majority. I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless.
Nobody from the LGBTQ community has had the opportunity to express their reaction to what Synod decided.”
Struyk said What motivated him to take action was his son’s Facebook post accusing synod of a
complete lack of empathy.”
