Our shared confessions include the following. All our teaching staff and our Board subscribe to them.
"Our confessional foundation" refers to the shared creed, confession of faith, or statement of beliefs that forms the basis of a religious community's identity and unity. This foundational document guides a community's understanding of core tenets like the nature of God, salvation, and Christian life, serving as a roadmap for its members and a standard for its teachings and practices. For many Christian denominations, this foundation is built upon sacred texts, but also includes historical documents that articulate their specific theological and ethical convictions.
Key aspects of a confessional foundation:
Core beliefs: It provides a framework for fundamental doctrines such as God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, scripture, sin, and salvation.
Community and identity: It helps unite a church or denomination by defining what it means to be "in Christ" and part of the larger community of God, ensuring a shared understanding of faith.
Guiding principles: A confessional foundation serves as a guide for a community's ethical and practical life, helping to shape how members live out their faith in areas like worship, discipleship, and social justice.
Historical context: The practice of creating confessions of faith is a historical tradition, with many denominations developing detailed documents during periods of theological reflection, such as the Reformation.
Authority: It can be seen as the basis for authority within a church, regulating its teachings and confirming its beliefs, according to the Reformed Churches.