The Reformed Presbyterian Church can refer to any of a group of denominations that follow a particular form of Presbyterian polity and are found in several countries. Generally, the Reformed Presbyterian Church could be considered Reformed, Presbyterian, or Evangelical.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church has its roots in the Covenanters of the 17th century, which was a Scottish Presbyterian movement that became the de facto government of Scotland during the Scottish Civil War.
Reformed Presbyterian Church denominations are found in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, South Sudan, and the United States.
Although there may be denominational differences, Reformed Presbyterians generally hold that the Bible is inspired, inerrant, and the supreme standard for belief and practice.
Reformed Presbyterian theology is Protestant, apostolic, evangelical, Reformed, and sometimes Calvinistic. The basic principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Churches are not so different from those held by other Christian denominations. Where there are differences, they are in the application and implementation of these principles.
Prominent in the theology of these churches is the kingship of Jesus Christ. Within the Reformed Presbyterian Churches, the worship of the King governs all areas of a believer's life, according to every detail of what is required by Scriptures.
Reformed Presbyterians believe that the Bible is the literal Word of God. Most, if not all, Reformed Presbyterians sing from the Psalms only during worship services, a capella, a practice that they view as being demonstrated in the New Testament Church.
They hold conservative views on abortion, homosexuality, and gambling. Members do not join secret societies.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland are similar Presbyterian bodies, although organized as separate national denominations. Websites representing these denominations or affiliated associations, organizations, or corporations may be submitted to this category, or to a subcategory. Others that may not have been mentioned here may also be submitted to this category if they are related to the Reformed Presbyterian Churches.
Not every denomination or individual church that uses the name of Reformed Presbyterian are related to the Reformed Presbyterian Churches referred to here, however.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States separated from the Presbyterian Church in America in 1983, and is more closely related to the PCA. The Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly separated from the RPCUS in 1991, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church - Hanover Presbytery parted with the RPCUS that same year. These Presbyterian bodies will be listed elsewhere.
Websites representing local congregations should be listed in the Local & Global category that corresponds to their geographical location.
Categories
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America |
Recommended Resources
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Covenanted)
Also known as Steelites, for their founder, the Rev. David Steele, a Reformed Presbyterian minister who was a leader of the Old Lights who separated from the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America in 1840. The official site of the small denomination offers informational articles and access to Reformed documents, which may be found by author or subject. Audio sermons and sermon notes are also available.
http://www.covenanter.org/
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia
Calvinist and Presbyterian in polity, the small Australian denomination has its largest concentration in Geelong, Victoria, where its first church was established in 1858. The denomination is associated with the Reformed Presbyterian Churches of North America, Ireland, and Scotland. Its goals, beliefs, and policies are highlighted here, along with a directory of member churches, administrative contacts, and announcements.
http://rpca.org.au/
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland
The denomination’s origins go back to Scottish Presbyterian settlers who came to Ireland in the 17th century. Concentrated in Northern Ireland, the RPC of Ireland also has congregations in the Republic of Ireland. Its beliefs and an outline of its history are published to the site, along with a directory of member churches and ministries, conference schedules, a calendar of events, online sermons, informational articles, and access to various publications.
http://www.rpc.org/
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland
Formed in 1690 when its members refused to be part of the Church of Scotland, the RPCS is the original denomination of the Reformed Presbyterian tradition. Most of its members joined the Free Church of Scotland, so this is a continuing church. The official denominational website includes an outline of its beliefs and practices, ministries, and missions, along with a directory of member congregations, sermons, and publications.
http://www.rpcscotland.org/
