Presbyterian Creeds & Confessions

The Nicene Creed (ca AD 325-381)
The Nicene Creed including Latin version and notes
Resource page for the proposed contemporary translation of the Nicene Creed

Written during the 4th century A.D. in an attempt to unify the Christian church under emperor Constantine. It is heavily influenced by the theologian Athanasius and the work of the first two ecumenical councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381). It was adopted by the council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451. Its central doctrines are those of the Person of Jesus Christ and the reality of the Holy Spirit. It is the only creed accepted by all three major branches of Christendom including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians.

The Apostles' Creed

Developed between the second and ninth centuries as a baptismal creed for new Christians this is the most popular creed used in worship by Western Christians. Its central doctrines are those of the Trinity and God the Creator.

The Scots Confession (1560) - John Knox
The Scottish Confession of Faith - Presbyterian Heritage Publications version 

The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) -- full text in several parts
  CCEL

Written by Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus in Germany at the time of the breaking of the peace of Augsburg in response to the Lutherans and at the direction of Frederick the Elector. Its central doctrines are those of Stewardship and the Lord's Supper. It is the most personal of the Reformed creeds.

The Second Helvetic Confession (1566)

full text

Written by Heinrich Bullinger in Switzerland after surviving the Black Plague as a codicil to his will. It is in response to the Anabaptists and makes an attempt to reconcile with the Lutherans. It is influenced by Ulrich Zwingli. Its central doctrines are those of Covenant and Baptism.

Written by the Westminster Assembly at the call of Parliament together with the following two catechisms and heavily influenced by Reynolds. It is written in the context of the English Civil War and as a response to high church Anglicanism. The central doctrines of this and the following two catechisms are the sovereignty of God and the authority and proper interpretation of Scripture.

The Shorter Catechism

• Fisher's Catechism - (1753, 1765) a Scottish commentary on the Shorter Catechism which is being entered by the Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics.

Sum of Saving Knowledge

• This item is not found in the PC(USA) Book of Confessions but is from the Westminster Standards and is subtitled: "A Brief Sum of Christian Doctrine, contained in the Holy Scriptures, and holden forth in the forsaid confession of faith and catechism; together with The Practical Use Thereof. "

The Theological Declaration of Barmen (1934)
 

Written by Karl Barth and the confessing church in Nazi Germany in response to Hitler's national church. Its central doctrines concern the sin of idolatry and the lordship of Christ.

The Confession of 1967 - United Presbyterian Church

Written during the troubled 1960's and the civil rights movement in response to civil religion. Its central doctrines include reconciliation and the equality of all persons. Edward A. Dowey, Jr. headed the committee which composed it.

• Inclusive Language Version
       This inclusive language text of the Confession of 1967 was prepared informally by the Reverend Cynthia A. Jarvis (Associate Pastor, Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton, NJ) and Professor Freda A. Gardner for use at the October 21-22, 1982, Symposium on "The Confession of 1967: Contemporary Implication." Subsequently the text was reviewed with Professors Daniel Migliore and Edward Dowey. Subsequently the text was revised by the Office of Theology and Worship in 2002. This text is intended for liturgical use, thus the "Preface" is not included.
       The purpose of this unofficial revision is solely to alter the male-oriented language that was commonly and uncritically accepted in 1967. All departures from the official text which is found in the Constitution of the UPCUSA are indicated, and the original language is quoted in the notes. In addition, two notes (nos. 2 and 163) include Scripture references for exact quotations from the New Revised Standard Version.
       One interesting result of the revision is the frequent change from the third to the first person -- which many will find more appropriate to the language of confession.

• A Brief Statement of Faith - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1983) 
  A Brief Statement of Faith - Second site

  After the two largest streams of Presbyterianism in the United States reunited to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1983 a committee was appointed to draft a confession that would briefly summarize our faith. A lengthy process of writing and review led to its adoption by the presbyteries in 1991. Like the earliest creeds it is liturgical in style and suitable for use in worship.

• A Declaration of Faith - PCUSA (1985) Not included in the Book of Confessions.

• Belonging to God: A First Catechism  (interactive)
  • Belonging to God: A First Catechism
  • with Biblical references
• The Study Catechism, Confirmation Version
• The Study Catechism

Two of these catechisms are presented here with Scripture references. The references were not part of the text approved by the Assembly, but were prepared by the study committee for use with the catechisms.