Place in American Presbyterianism
As its name suggests, the EPC is an evangelical denomination. It associates mainly with Reformed bodies holding similar or identical beliefs regarding Christology, ecclesiology, and ethical/moral stances. As with practically all orthodox Presbyterian bodies, the EPC is committed to Biblical interpretation governed by the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.
Being wholly within the main stream of Reformed, Westminsterian orthodoxy, the EPC is considerably more conservative than the PCUSA on matters such as theology and personal behavior. However, the ethos of the EPC (summarized in its motto) allows a greater degree of freedom in areas deemed to be non-essential to Reformed theology than the other major conservative Presbyterian bodies--the Presbyterian Church in America, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church). For instance, the ordination of women is an issue that is left up to each ordaining body. (e.g., the local church session determines whether to allow women to serve as elders and deacons and the local presbytery determines whether or not to allow women to serve as ministers). By comparison, the PCA, ARP and OPC will not ordain women. Also, the EPC is far more tolerant of the charismatic movement than these older bodies; indeed, some of the more prominent charismatic Presbyterian churches in America are members of the EPC.
Read more about this topic: Evangelical Presbyterian Church (United States)
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