Our Beliefs

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 3 (ESV)

As a church, we believe the Bible is our ultimate authority because it is God’s Word — true, trustworthy, and without error.

We’re not trying to be unique or come up with something new. Instead, we want to stand with Christians throughout history who have held firmly to the truth of God’s Word. That’s why we affirm the historic Christian creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed) along with the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Westminster Confession of Faith. We believe these time-tested summaries faithfully express what the Bible teaches.

The Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed

As a Reformed church, we affirm the three ecumenical creeds—the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed—as faithful summaries of the foundational truths of Scripture. These creeds unite us with the historic Christian church, declaring the triune nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the essential truths of our faith. The Apostles’ Creed emphasises the core elements of the gospel, the Nicene Creed defends the full divinity and humanity of Christ, and the Athanasian Creed upholds the mystery and unity of the Trinity. Together, these creeds guide our worship, teaching, and witness as we proclaim the timeless truths of the Christian faith.

Belgic Confession of Faith

The Belgic Confession was written in 1561 primarily by Guido de Brès, a pastor in the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands). During this time, the Reformed church faced severe persecution under Spanish rule. This confession was written to explain the beliefs of Reformed Christians, showing that their faith was rooted in Scripture and consistent with the teachings of the early church. It affirms the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible, and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It also celebrates the church as Christ’s body, where believers are nurtured in faith and hope. De Brès himself was martyred for his faith, but his work continues to inspire and strengthen the church worldwide.

Read the Belgic Confession of Faith here

Heidelberg Catechism

The Heidelberg Catechism was written in 1563 in Heidelberg, Germany, during the Protestant Reformation. It was commissioned by Frederick III, a ruler who desired a unified way to teach the Christian faith in his region. Written in a question-and-answer format, it is both deeply theological and wonderfully pastoral, designed to bring clarity and comfort to believers. Its three main themes—Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude—help us understand our need for salvation, the incredible gift of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and our response of loving obedience. Rooted in Scripture and still relevant today, the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that our only comfort in life and death is that we belong, body and soul, to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

Read the Heidelberg Catechism here.

Canons of Dort

The Canons of Dort were written between 1618 and 1619 at the Synod of Dort in the Netherlands. This synod was convened to respond to the rise of Arminianism, a theological movement that questioned aspects of Reformed teaching, particularly about God’s sovereignty and human free will. The Canons affirm the biblical doctrines of grace, emphasizing that salvation is entirely God’s work. They teach that God, in His mercy, chose to save sinners, sent Jesus to redeem them, and works through the Holy Spirit to draw them to Himself. These truths are summarised in the “Five Points of Calvinism” (TULIP). The Canons of Dort remind us of God’s sovereign love and faithfulness, giving believers great assurance of their salvation.

Read the Canons of Dort here.

Westminster Confession

The Westminster Confession of Faith was written in 1646 by a group of theologians and church leaders gathered at Westminster Abbey in England. Their goal was to provide a clear and unified statement of faith for the Reformed churches in England, Scotland, and beyond. This confession is deeply rooted in Scripture and carefully lays out the doctrines of the Christian faith. It begins with the authority of God’s Word and goes on to explain God’s nature, His sovereign plan for salvation, and His covenant relationship with His people. It also describes the role of the church, the sacraments, and the hope of Christ’s return. The Westminster Confession continues to guide and inspire believers, calling us to live faithfully for God’s glory.

Read the Westminster Confession of Faith here.