PCA HISTORICAL CENTER
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Historic Documents in American Presbyterian History

A DECLARATION OF INTENT

As events began to point more strongly toward the formation of a new denomination, the following document was circulated among like-minded congregations, in the years leading up to the formation of the National Presbyterian Church [a year later, the new denomination was renamed The Presbyterian Church in America]:


The ___________________________ Presbyterian Church of ____________________ has since
its formation endeavored to be loyal to the Presbyterian Church in the United States and its Constitution.

The officers of this church have taken solemn vows to be zealous in maintaining the purity of the Church. In our opinion, some recent General Assembly pronouncements and programs have been contrary to the clear teaching of God's Word.

We believe that the time has come to take a definite stand against the continuing erosion of Presbyterian doctrine and polity which is taking place in the Presbyterian Church in the United States. We do hereby declare:

1. We reaffirm our faith in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God--the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

2. We reaffirm that we owe our primary allegiance to Christ--the great Head of the Church--rather than to any ecclesiastical body.

3. We stand ready to enter into fellowship with other like-minded congregations in preparing for a continuing Church which will be faithful to God's Word, loyal to historic Presbyterian doctrine and polity and obedient to the Great Commission.

We have adopted this declaration after much heart-searching and earnests prayer.

Adopted by the Session of _________________________ Presbyterian Church this _______ day
of ________________, 197___.

Approved by the congregation this ________ day of __________________, 197___.

Attested by _______________________________