Rev. David Struyk, a pastor, stood up for his son by leaving a Christian Reformed Church synod conference in protest after members voted to bar LGBTQ sympathizers from its congregations.
Synod 2023 was place from June 9 to 15 at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On Thursday morning, June 15, Dave Struyk spoke up for his gay son and then left Synod 2023 in protest “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 explained. As he gathered his bags and made his way toward the door, he was met by a few delegates and others who lined up to hug him.
Struyk had previously stated on the floor of synod that his son Ryan had been an inspiration to him. Ryan Struyk came out as gay 12 years ago and has a strong faith and a love for the church, according to his father.
“I’m not doing this for attention,” Dave Struyk said as he walked out the door. “What’s difficult is the sense that a group at synod wasn’t really open to deliberation, and they had the majority.” I aspired to be a voice for those who had none. Nobody from the LGBTQ community has had a chance to express their feelings about what Synod concluded.” (This sentiment was also stated on the floor of synod, and synod was reminded that among the delegation to Synod 2023 is one celibate pastor who is LGBT.)
Struyk said he was motivated to act after seeing a Facebook post from his kid the night before accusing synod of a “complete lack of empathy.”
As Struyk walked out, synod president Paul DeVries asked delegates to bow. “We pray that we will strive for full restoration,” he said.
View the video below.
Rev. David Struyk stood up against the Christian Reformed Church, and left the church synod in protest, after the members voted to exclude LGBTQ+ supporters from its congregations. @CNNSotu #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/KdycypHEdn
— CNN (@CNN) June 18, 2023
