Reformed Churches

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.

History

The Reformer, John Calvin was of French decsent, 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 Presbyterians brought the Reformed faith to the United States after the Reformation.

Doctrine

For a summary of the Reformed beliefs, see Calvinism.

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

• Dutch: The Belgic Confession, The Heidelberg Cathegism and the Canons of Dordt.
• Scottish: The Westminster Confession, The Westminster Larger Cathegism and The Westminster Shorter Cathegism, as well as the Scots Confession.
• Swiss: The Second Helvetic Confession.

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

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.

Different Traditions

Scottish Presbyterian, Dutch and Swiss Reformed churches are merely distinguished by different confessions, and hold to the same set of beliefs. Two other traditions have developed, however, "Reformed Baptist" and "Reformed Episcopal" denominations. They share the same Calvinist beliefs as the general Reformed Churches, but Reformed Baptists baptize adults and not infants as other Reformed Churches. They have the London Baptist Confession. Reformed Episcopals hold to an Episcopal form of Church government (by bishops) and holds steadfastly to the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion.