Confessions & Creeds
What the Church has confessed
The creeds and confessions by which the Church has stated the faith — from the ecumenical councils to the confessions of the Reformation. Where a document cites Scripture, the references are linked to the reader.
Ecumenical
Nicene Creed
The creed of the first two ecumenical councils (325, 381), confessing the full deity of the Son and the Spirit.
Chalcedonian Definition
The 451 definition of Christ as one person in two natures, without confusion or division.
Apostles' Creed
The baptismal confession of the Western church — the shortest summary of the faith.
Athanasian Creed
A precise Western statement of the Trinity and the Incarnation, prized for its exactness.
Reformed (Presbyterian)
Westminster Confession of Faith
The confessional standard of English-speaking Presbyterianism, drafted by the Westminster Assembly.
Presbyterian Church in America · Orthodox Presbyterian Church · Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Westminster Larger Catechism
The fuller Westminster catechism, expounding the faith, the law, and the means of grace.
Presbyterian Church in America · Orthodox Presbyterian Church · Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Westminster Shorter Catechism
The catechism for instruction, opening on the chief end of man: to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
Presbyterian Church in America · Orthodox Presbyterian Church · Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Reformed (Continental)
Belgic Confession
An early Reformed confession of the Low Countries, written under persecution.
Christian Reformed Church · Reformed Church in America
Heidelberg Catechism
A warm, pastoral catechism of the Reformation, framed around comfort, sin, and gratitude.
Christian Reformed Church · Reformed Church in America
Canons of Dort
The Synod of Dort’s answer to the Remonstrants, setting out the doctrines of grace.
Christian Reformed Church · Reformed Church in America