Our Beliefs expressed in the Westminster Standards

Our church and denomination are committed to the authority and trustworthiness of the Bible.  The Old and New Testaments are are our infallible, rule and guide for faith and practice.  The "Westminster Standards" are a summary of the teaching of the Bible organized in a systematic way for our benefit and edification.  The "Westminster Standards" contain The Westminster Confession of Faith, plus the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and are constitutional documents in our church and denomination.  In fact, our particular church (Westminster Presbyterian Church) actually takes its name from these Standards and the gathering which drafted them.  While these documents are helpful, the Bible is always our primary focus and source.  The Westminster Standards are only helpful to the degree that they accurately reflect the teachings of the Bible.  So, why use creeds like the Westminster Standards?  Simply because a systematic summary of the Bible's teaching can help us understand, worship, and communicate with each other.

The "Westminster Standards" are the result of one of history's greatest ecclesiastical gatherings in London, England. This gathering, named "The Westminster Assembly,"  was called together by the English Parliament to revise "The 39 Articles" and advise about "Biblical faith, polity and worship." The Westminster  Assembly was comprised of leading scholars and theologians from a wide range of ecclesiastical bodies, including English Episcopalians (Anglicans), Scottish Presbyterians, and Independents.

The result of the Assembly's work was the publication, in 1647, of the Confession of Faith and, in the following years, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.  Changes in the political climate in England meant the Westminster Standards were not accepted by the English Church.  However, the Presbyterian Church, which had played a significant role in drafting them, later adopted them as a consistent and accurate summary of the teaching of Scripture.  Since that time they have been a constitutional part of the Presbyterian Church.  

One writer has described the documents produced by the Westminster Assembly as 'not only the most logical and most complete, but also the most Biblical and the noblest creed ever yet produced in Christendom.'

To review the complete document, click on the link below:

http://www.pcanet.org/general/cof_contents.htm