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[[Image:Geneva_Bible.jpg|right|280px|Geneva Bible]]

[[Image:Geneva_Bible.jpg|right|280px|Geneva Bible]]

The '''Reformed Churches''' are a group of [[Protestant]] Churches, that originated during the 16th century [[Reformation]], led by [[Huldrych Zwingli]] and [[John Calvin]]. Reformed Churches are [[Calvinist]] in doctrine.

The '''Reformed Churches''' are a group of [[Protestant]] Churches that originated during the [[Protestant Reformation]] of the 16th century. This Protestant movement was led first by [[Ulrich Zwingli]] and then by [[John Calvin]]. "Reformed" churches are said to be [[Calvinist]] in doctrine.

== History ==

== History ==

The Reformer, [[John Calvin]] was of French descent, however he wrote and preached mostly in Switzerland. Here he published his "Institutes of the Christian Religion". From here, Calvinism spread throughout Europe, but especially the [[Netherlands]] and [[Scotland]]. Various Confessions were drawn up to distinguish the Reformed faith. English [[Puritans]] and Scottish [[Presbyterian]]s brought the Reformed faith to the United States and Australasia after the Reformation. So did the Reformed Dutch and Germans and the French [[Huguenots]] bring their faith to South Africa.

The Reformer, [[John Calvin]], was French by birth; however he wrote and preached mostly in Switzerland. Here he published his "Institutes of the Christian Religion". From Geneva, Calvinism spread throughout Europe, but especially into the [[Netherlands]] and [[Scotland]]. Various Confessions were drawn up to distinguish the Reformed faith from other Protestant viewpoints. English [[Puritans]] and Scottish [[Presbyterian]]s brought the Reformed faith to the United States and Australasia after the Reformation. So did the Reformed Dutch and Germans and the French [[Huguenots]] bring their faith to South Africa.

== Doctrine ==

== Doctrine ==

For a summary of the Reformed beliefs, see [[Calvinism]].

In Reformed Churches, the Bible is the sole and supreme authority in all matters of faith. The various Confessions are merely accepted explanations of Biblical doctrine. In Reformed Churches, the Bible is the sole and supreme authority in all matters of faith. The various confessions are merely accepted explanations of Biblical doctrine.

The Reformed Doctrine is expressed in various confessions, which they believe to be explanations of the doctrine of the [[Bible]]:

The Confessions:

*Dutch: [[The Belgic Confession]], [[The Heidelberg Cathegism]] and the [[Canons of Dordt]].

*Dutch: [[The Belgic Confession]], [[The Heidelberg Cathegism]] and the [[Canons of Dordt]].

*Swiss: [[The Second Helvetic Confession]].

*Swiss: [[The Second Helvetic Confession]].

In Reformed Churches, the Bible is, however, the sole and supreme authority in all matters of faith.

In Reformed Churches, the Bible is the sole and supreme authority in all matters of faith. The various confessions are merely accepted explanations of Biblical doctrine.  

== Form of Governance ==

== Form of Governance ==

Reformed Churches use the [[Presbyterian polity]] for their church government. This emphisizes the autonomy of the local church, which is governed by [[elders]].

Reformed Churches use the [[Presbyterian polity]] for their church government. This emphasizes the autonomy of the local church, which is governed by [[elders]].

== Different Traditions ==

== Different Traditions ==

Scottish Presbyterian, Dutch and Swiss Reformed churches are merely distinguished by different confessions, and hold to the same set of beliefs.  

Scottish Presbyterian, and Dutch and Swiss Reformed churches are distinguished by different confessions, but hold to the same set of beliefs.  

Two other traditions have developed, however: "Reformed Baptist" and "Reformed Episcopal" denominations. They share sosme of the same Calvinist beliefs as the general Reformed Churches, but Reformed Baptists baptize adults and not infants as other Reformed Churches do. They adhere to the [[London Baptist Confession]]. Reformed Episcopalians hold to an [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]] form of Church government (by bishops) and hold steadfastly to the [[Anglican]] [[Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion]].

 

Two other traditions have developed, however--"Reformed Baptist" and "Reformed Episcopal" denominations. They share sosme of the same Calvinist beliefs as the general Reformed Churches, but Reformed Baptists baptize adults and not infants as other Reformed Churches do. They adhere to the [[London Baptist Confession]]. Reformed Episcopalians hold to an [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]] form of Church government (by bishops) and hold steadfastly to the [[Anglican]] [[Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion]].

== Summary of Reformed Churches Worldwide ==

== Summary of Reformed Churches Worldwide ==