Note : In 1981, chapters 56, 57 and 58 were given constitutional status
[cf. M8GA (1980), III, Item 9, p. 118 and M9GA (1981), 9-65, Item 6, p. 137]

57-4. It is recommended, as edifying and proper, that baptized persons, when admitted by the Session to the Lord’s Supper, make a public profession of their faith in the presence of the congregation. But in all cases, there should be a clear recognition of their previous relation to the church as baptized members.

DIGEST :With minor differences of capitalization, the current PCA text is unchanged from that of all previous editions, back to PCUS 1894, which was the first approved PCUS edition.

BACKGROUND AND COMPARISONS :
1. PCA 1973, DfW, 11-4, Adopted text, as printed in the Minutes of General Assembly, p. 159
2. Continuing Presbyterian Church 1973, DfW, 11-4, Proposed text, p. 71
3. PCUS 1933, DfW, XI, § 353
It is recommended, as edifying and proper, that baptized persons, when admitted by the Session to the Lord’s Supper, make a public profession of their faith in the presence of the congregation. But in all cases, there should be a clear recognition of their previous relation to the Church as baptized members.

1. PCUS 1927, DfW, X-4, § 343
2. PCUS 1894, DfW, X-4
It is recommended, as edifying and proper, that baptized persons, when admitted by the Session to the Lord’s supper, make a public profession of their faith in the presence of the congregation. But in all cases, there should be a clear recognition of their previous relation to the church as baptized members.

COMMENTARY:
Morton H. Smith, Commentary on the Book of Church Order, 6th edition, 2007, p. 436
Just as the unbaptized convert is to make his confession before the congregation, the recommendation is that the same practice be followed with the covenant child who is coming to make his profession of faith. The congregation is to be reminded that this not a "joining the church" by the covenant child, for he has been a non-communing member since his baptism.