In 1983 the two largest Presbyterian churches in the United States reunited. The “Plan for Reunion” called for the preparation of a brief statement of the Reformed faith for possible inclusion in The Book of Confessions. This statement is therefore not intended to stand alone, apart from the other confessions of our church. It does not […]
A guide written for the understanding of “A Brief Statement of Faith,” which was approved by the 202nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1990.
George Hunsinger asserts that the polarity of “progressive politics and traditional faith” is not true to the gospel and not true to the church’s own tradition. More directly, Hunsinger demonstrates that the Presbyterian Church’s new “Study Catechism” embodies theology and social witness together in fidelity to the gospel. Social Witness in Generous Orthodoxy — Theology and […]
In Theology and Worship Occasional Paper No. 15, Leanne Van Dyk develops a lively metaphor for thinking theologically. Growing Up Theologically spins out the process of organic growth as an imaginative way of understanding ourselves as people who can and do reflect on Christian faith and life, and who can mature in our theological thinking.
Since the reformation, “Word and Sacrament” have been identifying marks of the church. What happens to the church when sacraments are marginalized and word is relativized? This essay, originally presented as an address to an international reformed consultation, calls for a church in which Word and Sacrament are present in fullness.
This important paper, number 3 in the Office of Theology and Worship’s “Church Issues Series,” was produced by the United Reformed Church in the United Kingdom. It is valuable to Presbyterians because it illuminates unity/diversity matters by providing fresh perspectives on the crucial question of the Bible’s authority in the church and by providing scriptural […]
How shall Christians confess their faith in the midst of people whose beliefs are different? What is the shape of the faith that Christians confess? What should be the church’s stance toward other faith traditions? The Office of Theology and Worship wishes to contribute to the church’s consideration of the issue by making available to […]
The author goes to the sources, exploring impulses to unity within the reformed tradition. Dr. Sorge’s reading of Calvin, set within the context of Ephesians 4, shows that concern for theological integrity and commitment to the church’s unity are not at odds. To the contrary, it is theological integrity that is the ground for preserving […]
As Presbyterians we find ourselves in a place of enduring contention as to who should be ordained without a clear conception of why we should be ordaining anyone. And if we are unsure of the nature of ordained ministry, we certainly will be unclear as to how the ordained exercise authority. Because we live in […]
The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) designates Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, latest edition, as the parliamentary authority to be used in governing body meetings. This booklet and its accompanying appendices are an introductory summary of the purpose and practice of common parliamentary principles.