Graduated with the class of ’72 from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and was ordained in the Reformed Church in America where he served churches in New Jersey and New York. In 1979 Jon “came out of the closet” after which he was charged by the Columbia-Greene (NY) Classis with “the offensive lifestyle of homosexuality.” He was found guilty and was demitted from the ministry in July of 1980. Recently the Classis apologized for what transpired all those years ago and asked Jon for forgiveness. That very evening 42 years after his ordination, Jon was again ordained and is currently serving the Oneida Association of the United Church of Christ, where he serves the Central Square Community Church/UCC as its Minister of Special Events.
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Cameron Van Kooten
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11:06 am on June 8, 2015
Congratulations, Rev. Kuiper! As a fellow Central alum and supporter of full-inclusion in the RCA, I’m proud to have ministers like you ordained in our denomination. Thank you for your witness to God’s inclusive love.
George Brown
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1:50 pm on June 6, 2015
Congratulations. I am happy that the Columbia-Greene Classis of the Reformed Church in America realized that being ministers of Christ includes forgiveness, humility and acceptance of all children of God.