Doctrine and Practice
The Reformed Churches (Liberated) are an orthodox (Neo-)Calvinist Protestant denomination. They subscribe to the infallibity of the Bible, to the Nicene Creed, the Apostles' Creed, the Athanasian Creed and the Three Forms of Unity (the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort).
As Calvinists, the Reformed Churches (Liberated) practise infant baptism for the children of believers (as well as adult baptism for adult converts). Children are taught the tenets of the faith and encouraged to publicly profess their faith (usually in late teens), by which they become professing (and voting) members of the church. The Lord's Supper is typically "closed", meaning that only professing members are permitted to participate, although many congregations will allow guests to participate if prior notice (through the use of so-called communion letters ) or satisfactory proof of a living faith is given. Children who have not professed their faith are excluded from participation in the Lord's Supper.
The Reformed Churches (Liberated) are conservative in doctrine and practice. They do not allow women to hold special offices (elders, deacons, pastors), but in the 1990s they did approve women voting in church elections. They reject modern textual criticism of the Bible. Liturgically, they favour the use of the Genevan Psalter in their worship services, although in the last decade a number of classical hymns has also been approved for use in the worship service. In recent years evangelical influences have become stronger (e.g. a more contemporary style of the worship, including new songs and hymns and the use of a praise band). On the other hand a small minority of the members and ministers are questioning some of the orthodox doctrines, and are asking for a different approach in issues like ordination of women in office, homosexual relationships, etc. A large middle group, however, wants to hold on to the classical Calvinism.
Read more about this topic: Reformed Churches In The Netherlands (Liberated)
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