I just read this interesting article by Ronald Cammenga in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal, "The Homiletical Use of the Heidelberg Catechism: An Examination of the Practice of Systematic Preaching of the Heidelberg Catechism in the Dutch Reformed Tradition." Cammenga writes:
"After the Heidelberg Catechism made its appearance, some ministers still preferred to use other catechisms in their preaching, as for example, the Catechism of Geneva. The Synod of Emden, 1571, deemed it fitting that in the French-speaking congregations, the so-called Walloon churches, the Catechism of Geneva would be taught; whereas in the Dutch-speaking churches, instruction would be given in the Heidelberg Catechism. It further declared that 'if there are any other churches that use another form of catechism conformable to the Word of God, they shall not be forced to change.' Over time the Heidelberg Catechism supplanted the other catechisms that were used for preaching. The Heidelberg Catechism won the day largely because of its warm, personal character, as well as its superior organization. When the Synod of The Hague made Heidelberg Catechism preaching a requirement in 1586, it was only officially sanctioning a practice that was widespread in the Dutch churches." (pp.7-8)
Excellent article, by the way. The PRTJ is a free periodical. You can subscribe by dropping a note to the editor,
cammenga@prca.org