Alliance of Reformed Churches

The Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC) is a Reformed Christian denomination formed in 2021 by a group of churches that broke away from the Reformed Church in America.[1][2]

Alliance of Reformed Churches
AbbreviationARC (note that ARC can also refer to the Association of Related Churches)
ClassificationProtestant
OrientationReformed
TheologyReformed
GovernanceStrategic Board with policy governance
RegionUnited States
Origin2021
Separated fromReformed Church in America
Congregations130
Official websitearc21.org

History

In the 2010s, the Reformed Church in America (RCA) faced internal conflict to define its position on same-sex marriage and homosexuality.[3][4]

In 2021, after failing to find an agreement among the internal groups, the denomination approved a restructuring of its classes (presbyteries), to regroup the churches according to their positions on marriage and sexuality. This generated the dissatisfaction of the more conservative members, who saw with it the implicit permission for churches to celebrate same-sex marriage when they form classes that support this conduct.[5]

In response, about 55 churches left the RCA in 2021 and formed the Alliance of Reformed Churches.[1][2]

Doctrine

The ARC permits ordination of women and subscribes to the Apostles' Creed, Athanasian Creed and Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.

It also subscribes to the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, the Belhar Confession and the Great Lakes Catechism on Marriage and Sexuality.[6]

References
  1. "Reformed Church in America Splits as Conservatives Form New Denomination". Christianity Today. January 7, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  2. "A New Organization: Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC)". The Aquila Report. August 19, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  3. "While CAR churches talk about division, they do it with grace". October 31, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  4. "Division of the Reformed Church in America over LGBT issues". November 11, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  5. "Reformed Church in America splits a conservative churches from new denomination". January 11, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  6. "Doctrine of the Covenants of the Reformed Churches". Retrieved January 12, 2022.
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