| | Here's an English translation (courtesy of a colleague again) of the Statement from the Board of the Theological University in Kampen. The Dutch original can be found here.
On January 26th 2008 part of a radio interview with prof. dr. G. Harinck
appeared in the Nederlands Dagblad. In the paper of February 5th he placed a
further clarification under the rubric Vrijplaats.
Dr. Harinck is on staff
at the Theological University (TU) at Kampen. He is not a professor of the
churches, but has tenure as specialist professor in a chair governed by the
deputies responsible for the Centre for Archives and Documentation. That is the
nature of his association with the TU, aimed particularly at academic research
and coaching of those pursuing higher degrees.
Personal
During the
three-hour radio interview which the journalist Peter Bergwerff conducted with
him, in which his historical, literary and cultural views are reviewed, the
journalist also broached dr. Harinck's personal faith life. His response was
very open, revealing in its candour. Certain passages, in particular from this
part of the interview, which appeared in the newspaper, raised question in the
days after their publication. In this part of the interview dr. Harinck does
not develop an ecclesiastical program of action. Nor is this a theological
discussion being carried on. Dr. Harinck is speaking of his personal experience
of faith and how he, as human, feels about things.
Even taking into
account that in an interview answers are improvised, there was occasion enough
in what was said to raise questions. Indeed, that happened, publicly as well as
in the circle of those closely concerned with the academic chair of dr. Harinck.
In the first place, this involved the rector of the TU and the supervising board
of the special chair. Next, the supervising board of the TU and the deputies for
Archives and Documentation were involved. Also the article of February 5th did
not sufficiently answer all questions. On Wednesday, February 6th, a
conversation took place between all those responsible for the chair and dr.
Harinck. It was a frank discussion about the questions raised, in the hope that
they might be adequately answered.
The questions concerned various themes,
centering on dr. Harinck's statements about the person and work of Christ, his
approach to Scripture in matters such as homosexuality and women in office, and
participation in the mass. In order to do justice to dr. Harinck, we summarize
what he said about these things.
Christ
In the discussion about
the significance of Christ's sacrifice and its place in our faith and
confession, dr. Harinck declare that he wholeheartedly and without any
reservation shares the faith that Jesus Christ died for our sins. That He in
Person is the one in whom God has revealed Himself fully, and that Scriptures
speak of Him. In the interview, dr. Harinck expresses how he experiences the
gospel in daily practice. Even if the gospel is concentrated on the cross – and
it is – that does not mean that in the everyday practical life of faith our
relation to God may often be coloured by many other things: seeking support with
the God of the Psalms, seeking wisdom from your heavenly Father, choosing for
life and against death (Deut 30). In examining his faith as reflected in daily
practice, it is largely aimed at God the Father. He truly sees in the cross on
which Christ hung God's punishment, borne by Christ in our place. But he does
not think of himself as hanging on a cross.
Bible
In the
discussion about handling Scripture and the way Christians of Reformed
confession use the Bible, dr. Harinck declares that he definitely recognizes the
normative character of God's Word and the authoritative applicability specific
texts. This applies to the life of faith with the Lord as well as theological
and ethical reflection. His remarks about the Bible texts respecting women are
not meant as a personal hermeneutic, but as a reproduction of his personal
stance in this matter. His view on 'women and office' developed at an earlier
stage in his life on the basis of Scripture. It goes without saying that this is
more than contained in the one text he cited in the interview. What he intended
was to say that he personally feels no need to again go through the same
discussions with the repetition of largely the same arguments. Though he has
his own view, he accepts that in the churches to which he belongs, women cannot
be office bearers. With respect to male friendships which he said were 'fine by
him', he declares that he meant relations of friendship, and not relations
comparable to those of husband and wife. On that issue the Bible is clear, also
according to dr. Harinck, in disapproving homosexual conduct.
Roman
mass
In the discussion about 'taking part' in the mass, dr. Harinck
declares that with this he does not mean partaking in what is called communion,
but being present in a Roman church service. 'If it so happens', he added in the
interview, and with that meant a situation in which visiting another worship
service is not possible.
On the part of the university the interview was
initially read quite differently than dr. Harinck has now explained. And they
were not the only ones to do so. Some reactions were correspondingly severe and
strong. Under pressure of those dr. Harinck issued his clarification in the
paper of February 5th.
On the next day a conversation took place in Kampen
in which we addressed each other both pointedly and brotherly. By speaking our
minds unreservedly, we found each other our love for the Word of our Lord and
for the churches. In this setting dr. Harinck recognised that un-careful
formulations and inadequate sense of church context led to misunderstandings
concerning his views. This he is sorry about, and this had not been his
aim.
Trust
Together we realise that we are now in a situation which
places high demands on trust and confidence in the churches. It concerns
important issues, which have caused damage to the name of our Lord and of our
churches. As well as those of the university and of dr. Harinck.
We have
expressly assured each other that together we wish to continue on in subjection
to the Word of God and bound by the Reformed confessions. This renewed
commitment to Scripture and confession we wish explicitly to relay to the
churches. On both sides there is much homework to be done. We have noted that
that the sense of community in Kampen needs to be strengthened. We hope that we,
having learned from the intensive process of the past weeks, will carry on
together with greater unanimity in our concrete tasks for church and society. Of
that intention we have explicitly assured each other. And that we also do
towards the churches. We ask them to grant us their trust. And also their
support in prayer and upbuilding words. May our good God help us in this through
his Spirit.
G. Harinck
Governing Board TU, P.
Niemeijer
Deputies Archives and Documentation, J. Messelink
Board of
Supervision, academic chair ADC, E.A. de Boer
Rector TU, C.J. de Ruijter
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