Doctrinal Statement

A statement of faith or doctrinal statement is a statement of the core beliefs of a religious group.

A typical statement of faith is said to be a non-comprehensive summary of the core beliefs of a particular faith within a tradition (or traditions). Even religious organizations without affiliation will use a statement of faith for identification and definition. Although adherence to a statement of faith is not usually required for membership, it can serve as a normative statement of all corporate worshippers. Other cases are more demanding of compliance.

One example of such a statement had been encapsulated in Judaism by Maimonides in his famous 13 Principles of Faith.

The Nicene Creed is commonly cited as a statement of faith in various forms of Christianity, including Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, and major Orthodox traditions.

Doctrinal statements may include positions on lectionary and translations of the Bible, particularly in those evangelical churches which accept only the King James Version.

In the Roman Catholic Church, a doctrinal statement can be made by the Pope himself, usually with the help of the Holy Office, a statement which then becomes part of the Magisterium of the Church. The Magisterium can be Ordinary and Extraordinary, depending on the degree of solemnity of the statements.