Woodhaven is a part of the Reformed Church of America, a partnership of hundreds of churches that have existed since 1628. To find out more about the RCA and its beliefs click below.
Creeds and Confessions
Along with most RCA churches, Woodhaven affirms three creeds that were written in the first few centuries after Jesus’s death: the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. We also use the four statements of belief, known in the RCA as Standards of Unity, to express what the Reformed Church believes: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Confession of Belhar.
View more about each Creed or Confession below and use the link to view the text.
Written about 300 years after the birth of Christ, the Apostles’ Creed summarizes foundational Christian beliefs. It has been used both as a statement of faith and in worship by many denominations, including the RCA.
The Nicene Creed was a result of the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. The creed emphasizes the doctrine of the Trinity in response to the teachings of Arius, a clergyman who denied the divinity of the Son, the second member of the Trinity. This orthodox statement of faith is used by many denominations, including the RCA.
The Athanasian Creed is named for Athanasius, a fourth-century bishop and prominent defender of Trinitarianism. The creed, which has Latin origins, declares key beliefs about the Trinity, specifically, the equal nature of the three persons. It is one of three creeds accepted by the Reformed Church in America.
With the warm tone of a gentle teacher, the Heidelberg Catechism unpacks the gospel, the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer.
The oldest and most comprehensive of the RCA’s standards, the Belgic Confession outlines the central beliefs of the Christian faith with a Reformed accent.
Written as a response to Arminianism, the Canons of Dort clarify the Reformed teaching of salvation and God’s grace.
The most recent of the RCA’s standards, the Belhar Confession makes the case for unity, reconciliation, and justice.