Westminster Standards
We hold to the Biblical teachings summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith as well as the Shorter Catechism and the Larger Catechism.
Historical Background of the Westminster Standards:
The Westminster Divines met together on July 1, 1643 in order to settle disputes in the Church of England. There was an ongoing internal dispute between the Anglo-Catholic moderates who were more comfortable with the current situation in England and the Puritans who wanted more extensive reforms to come to pass in the Church and the State in order to preserve religious liberty. Parliament called together the divines to settle these disputes over doctrines of Church Government, Discipline, Ordination, and Worship.
After beginning to revise the 39 Articles on Religion, they were then joined by the Scottish commissioners and so began working on the Solemn League and Covenant. Within the assembly there was a wide range of groups represented: Erastians, Presbyterians, and Independents. After approving the Solemn League and Covenant in 1644, the Westminster Assembly began focusing on the rules for discipline, directory for Public Worship, and Church Government. The Westminster Confession of Faith was finished in 1646, the Shorter Catechism in 1647, and finally the Larger Catechism in 1648.
Links:
More on the History of the Westminster Assembly
Full Audio of the Westminster Confession of Faith
Read the Westminster Standards Online at the PCA Website
