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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a church of great diversity
unified by our beliefs and traditions. While differences of belief and opinion
do exist within our denomination, we are guided by the Bible and our Book of
Confessions. Here is what we believe:
Advent
Infant Baptism
Bible
The Book of Confessions
Four Understandings of How Humans Receive Salvation in the History of Christianity
The Holy Spirit
The Liturgical Year
Lent
Who Was and Is Jesus
How Does One Become a Presbyterian Minister
The PC(USA) Seal
Predestination
The Revised Common Lectionary
Sacraments
Sin and Salvation
Social Issues
What Makes Presbyterians Unique?
What is Presbyterian Worship Like?
What does it mean to be ordained?
Worship
Who Are We as Presbyterians
Another way to learn about Presbyterian Beliefs is to study the catechisms
approved by the 210th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.). For those of you unfamiliar with the term, catechisms are
summaries of the principles of the Christian faith, in a question and answer
format (a centuries-old version of the FAQ).
Catechisms
Some of the pressing issues of our faith and the church's place
in society have been examined in our Church School Classes. Here are some notes
from one of a series of classes at First Presbyterian in Waco, Texas.
The Ethics of War
A special committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) developed Standards of Ethical Conduct for church members,
employees, volunteers, and ordained officers. These standards are guidelines for
living together within our community of faith.
What are the Standards of Ethical
Conduct?
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees and
Volunteers
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Ordained Officers
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Ordained Officers with References and Examples
Would you like more in depth answers about the beliefs of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)? The links below will take you to reprints of two excellent series of articles from Presbyterians Today magazine entitled
"What Presbyterians Believe" and "A Newcomer's Guide to the
PC(USA)."
Presbyterians Today Series "What Presbyterians
Believe"
A Newcomer's Guide to the PC(USA)
Here are some other articles from Presbyterians Today
that examine issues related to the PC(USA):
Help wanted, Long Hours, Low Pay: Why We Can't Find Pastors to Serve Our Churches
Campus ministry on the rebound: Churches rediscover a neglected mission field
Champions for Children
Seven Ways to Involve Children in the Church
Here is the text of a booklet produced by the Office of the
General Assembly which explains the foundational principles of Presbyterian
Church governance. It is a very good overview and summary of Presbyterian
polity.
Chapter 1 - Historic Understandings
Chapter 2 - The Church and Its Mission
Chapter 3 - Its Unity and Relationships
Chapter 4 - The Church and Its Members
Chapter 5 - The Church and Its Officers
Chapter 6 - The Particular Church
Chapter 7 - Governing Bodies
Chapter 8 - Reform by Amendment
Another way to learn about the beliefs and practices of
Presbyterians is to read the summaries of studies done by the Presbyterian
Panel.
Presbyterian Panel Summaries
Have you ever wondered how Presbyterians relate to, or should
relate to, people of other faiths? The link below will take you to a list of
articles published by the Worldwide Ministries Division of the PC(USA).
Interfaith Dialogue Resources
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