60-second overview
Reformed churches shaped especially by Dutch, Swiss, German, French, and related continental confessions, often summarized by the Three Forms of Unity.
History and identity
Continental Reformed churches usually affirm covenant theology, infant baptism, presbyterial-synodical government, the Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, and Canons of Dort. They range from conservative confessional bodies to more progressive denominations.
What the group says about itself
What this group teaches and practices
Three Forms of Unity. Covenant theology and infant baptism. Reformed view of the Lord’s Supper and means of grace. Connectional church discipline through classes and synods.
Core teachings and practices
- Three Forms of Unity.
- Covenant theology and infant baptism.
- Reformed view of the Lord’s Supper and means of grace.
- Connectional church discipline through classes and synods.
Variation across churches
Moderate variation within the groupWhat it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.
Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
The guide’s base beliefs are close in Reformed soteriology and Scripture but likely differ on infant baptism, confessional subscription, and denominational polity. Particular denominations must be considered separately.
How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity
Inside historic Nicene ChristianityThis group is within historic Nicene Christianity.
Boundary guideRelated groups
Sources
The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.
- Christian Reformed Church in North America — The Three Forms of UnityVerifiedHistoric confession
- Christian Reformed Church in North America — Our Faith and BeliefsVerifiedOfficial doctrine