Confessing Church Movement

Background

The Confessing Church Movement has developed within the Presbyterian Church (USA) in response to a number of disturbing trends in the national denomination. These trends suggest theological and moral confusion, represent a deviation from standards set forth in Scripture and the PC(USA)'s Book of Confessions, and reflect a departure from certain foundational truths of Christianity.

Congregations and individuals who have committed to the Confessing Church Movement reaffirm three essential doctrines:

1. That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the way of salvation.
2. That holy Scripture is the Triune God's revealed Word, the Church's only infallible rule of faith and life.
3. That God's people are called to holiness in all aspects of life. This includes honoring the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the only relationship within which sexual activity is appropriate.
   
   

Some frequently asked questions about the movement are available here. Examples of the declarations and session resolutions of some other members of the Confessing Church Movement may be viewed via the links below:

• First Presbyterian Church, Carbondale, Pennsylvania
• Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
• St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, California

Northminster Session Resolution

On July 24, 2001, Northminster Presbyterian Church registered its commitment to and participation in the Confessing Church Movement through passage of a Session Resolution.

In addition to confessing the three essential beliefs that are the cornerstones of the movement, the session of Northminster also commended the Presbyterian Coalition's theological statement "Union in Christ: A Declaration for the Church" to the congregation for study; and reaffirmed its support of the work and vision of Presbyterians for Renewal.

Northminster Presbyterian Church has joined with the sessions of 1,297 other congregations in 45 states and Puerto Rico in extending its endorsement of the Confessing Church Movement. These congregations collectively represent a national membership in excess of 428,500. Northminster is also one of 11 congregations in the state of Arizona that have declared their commitment to the movement.

Additional Web Resources

• Confessing Church Movement Web site
• Confessing Church Movement Congregations
• Map of Confessing Churches
• Confessing Churches in Arizona
  
  
• Presbyterian Coalition
• Text of "Union in Christ: A Declaration for the Church"
• Presbyterians for Renewal