Doctrine and Polity
Theologically, the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk is in the Reformed branch of Protestantism. It holds the Bible as authoritative Word of God by which all doctrine is judged. It has three doctrinal standards: the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dordt.
The NGK has a presbyterian polity with power divided between synods, presbyteries, and church councils. Church councils govern local congregations and are elected by members of the congregation. Local churches are organised geographically into 146 presbyteries which are further organized into synods. There are nine synods in South Africa, whose borders roughly resemble those of the provinces, and one covering all of Namibia. Every four years, the 10 synods come together and meet as the General Synod. The office of the General Synod is in Pretoria, Gauteng Province.
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Famous quotes containing the word doctrine:
“The doctrine of those who have denied that certainty could be attained at all, has some agreement with my way of proceeding at the first setting out; but they end in being infinitely separated and opposed. For the holders of that doctrine assert simply that nothing can be known; I also assert that not much can be known in nature by the way which is now in use. But then they go on to destroy the authority of the senses and understanding; whereas I proceed to devise helps for the same.”
—Francis Bacon (1560–1626)