Reformed-Presbyterian Family Churches
Christian Reformed Church in North America
The Christian Reformed Church had its origins in the Netherlands in the
1830's. At that time, some members of the Reformed Church of the Netherlands
rejected an attempt to bring the Church under the control of the Dutch
monarchy. Despite their objections, the Church was brought under state control.
This led in 1834 to the Succession (the formation of a church independent from
the monarchy). Following persecution and the failure of the potato crop in
1846, the dissidents supporting the Succession immigrated to western Michigan.
They affiliated with the Reformed Church in America but eventually split off
because of doctrinal differences. At first the name chosen was the Dutch
Reformed Church but eventually, in 1904, the name “Christian Reformed Church”
was chosen.
Doctrine and Church practice are strict. Only the children of confessing
members are baptized. The church is staunchly opposed to lodges and secret
societies (such as Masonic groups) and is a major supporter of the National
Christian Association. Worship follows the pattern used in the Netherlands. The
early hymnology was largely confined to the Psalms but an expanded hymnology
has developed in the twentieth century. Organized religious instruction of
children is stressed. Church government is presbyteral.
Membership
In 1995, total membership was 295,307.
International Council Of Community Churches
The International Council of Community Churches was formally organized in
1946, but possesses a history dating from the early nineteenth century when
nonsectarian community churches began to appear as an alternative to the
formation of separate denominationally affiliated congregations. Over the
years, such congregations have frequently retained a fiercely independent
stance. To their number were added other independent congregations that had
separated from denominational structures and adopted a nonsectarian stance.
There is no doctrinal statement shared by the council or its member churches,
though most churches share a liberal, ecumenical-minded, Protestant
perspective. The council describes itself as committed to Christian unity and
working "toward a fellowship as comprehensive as the spirit and teachings
of Christ and as inclusive as the love of God." The council is a loosely
organized fellowship of free and autonomous congregations.
Membership
In 1995 total membership was 250,000.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
General Notes
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was formed in 1983 by the union of the
United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the Presbyterian
Church in the United States. It continues the beliefs and practices of the two
merging Churches, which originally had split over the issues of slavery and revivalism.
The Church has also experienced controversy over fundamentalism.
In 1967 the United Presbyterian Church adopted a new confession of faith. The Confession begins with a statement of continuity with the Reformed Confessional tradition. A significant section deals with the mission of the church, particularly in society, and has a vague eschatology. The Book of Common Worship contains the liturgical resources, including a service for Healing and Wholeness.
Specific Religious Practices
The Church celebrates Sunday, Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Sacraments are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Understanding of Healing
The Church does not support faith healing as such.
Reproductive Issues
There is no position on genetics. Birth control is encouraged. There is no
position on sterility testing or artificial insemination.
Abortion
Would support abortion in situations where there is a substantial reason.
End of
Life Issues/Terminal Care
Prolonging life is not required. There is no position on euthanasia. Locally,
a representative of the Presbytery of Detroit did sign the Interfaith Letter on
Physician-Assisted Suicide.
Transplantation/Organ Donation
There is no position on donation or transplantation.
Autopsies/Care of the Body
There is no position on autopsy. Cremation or burial are both acceptable.
The body should be treated with dignity.
Membership
In 1996, total membership was 2,631,466.
Presbyterian Church in America
During the 1960s, tensions began to rise between liberals and conservatives
within the Presbyterian Church in the United States. There was a conservative
protest over denominational support of the National Council of Churches and
involvement in social issues, possible union with the United Presbyterian Church
in the U.S.A., liberal theology in The Layman's Bible published by the Church,
the ordination of women, support of abortion on demand for socioeconomic
reasons, and the presence of liberal churchmen in positions of authority in the
denomination.
There was a confusing series of splits and mergers of various groups,
centered on those issues. The eventual result was the Presbyterian Church in
America, the name adopted in 1974.
The Presbyterian Church in America adheres to the traditional Presbyterian
documents, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and both the Longer and Shorter
Westminster Catechisms. It is very conservative in its theological approach, a
major point of difference between it and the larger Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).
The organization is presbyteral and the Church is a member of the National
Association of Evangelicals.
Membership
In 1995, total membership was 210,758.
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Comments received:
...the document the PCA uses is the Westminster LARGER (not LONGER)
catechism, though the smaller document IS strangely called the SHORTER.
Reformed Church in America
General Notes
The origins of this Church are Dutch. Doctrinally the church has remained
very conservative and accepted as its standard doctrine the Belgic Confession,
the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of the Synod of Dort. The liturgies of
the Lord's Supper, Baptism, and ordination are obligatory; those for the Sunday
service and marriage are not.
Specific Religious Practices
Every Sunday plus Christmas and Good Friday are special holy days.
Sacraments are the Lord’s Supper or Communion and Baptism. Both sacraments must
be administered by ordained clergy. No sacrament is mandatory before death.
Understanding of Healing
Faith healing is not emphasized, but action by God to heal is accepted.
Faith is important in the total healing process, with or without medical
treatment.
Reproductive Issues
Genetic research is encouraged. Birth control and sterility testing are
accepted. Artificial insemination is accepted using the husband’s sperm.
Abortion
Abortion should be limited to situations of severe danger to the life of the
mother. Abortion on demand is opposed.
End of
Life Issues/Terminal Care
Prolonging of life is not required. Euthanasia is opposed.
Transplantation/Organ Donation
Members are encouraged to donate organs.
Autopsies/Care of the Body
Autopsy is the decision of the individual. There are no specific
restrictions. A funeral rite is usual.
Membership