Alliance of Reformed Churches
| Alliance of Reformed Churches | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Reformed |
| Theology | Reformed |
| Governance | Policy Governance |
| Region | United States |
| Origin | 2021 |
| Congregations | 192[1] |
| Official website | arc21 |
The Alliance of Reformed Churches is a Reformed Christian denomination formed in 2021, currently with 192 churches. The Alliance operates under a policy governance model. Alliance churches describe their mission as pursuing innovative ways to engage a changing world with the Gospel while holding to Reformed theology.
History
[edit]In the 2010s, the Reformed Church in America (RCA) faced pressure to clarify its position on same-sex marriage and homosexuality.[2][3] Specifically, there were disputes over what ramifications should exist over clergy conducting same sex weddings, which were being permitted by individual local classes [presbyteries] even while it was against a broader denominational doctrine and policy.
In 2021, after failing to find an agreement amongst the RCA's diverse membership, there emerged a growing dissatisfaction from the more conservative members, who saw with the RCA's inability to deal with enforcement as implicit permission for churches to celebrate same-sex marriage when they form classes that support this conduct.[4]
In response, 55 congregations seeking a new direction departed the RCA in 2021 and formed the Alliance of Reformed Churches.[5][6] The Alliance was initially co-led by Dan Ackerman and Tim Vink, who helped guide the denomination through its founding period. Following their tenure, Greg Alderman became the Executive Director.[7] Since its formation, the Alliance has seen steady growth, welcoming other churches who shares its commitment to being a Reformed Evangelical family of churches.
Doctrine
[edit]The Alliance affirms the Apostles' Creed, Athanasian Creed and Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. It considers the ordination of women as a matter for the individual church. However, the majority of local churches do not ordain female clergy.
It subscribes to the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Belhar Confession. It also subscribes to the Great Lakes Catechism on Marriage and Sexuality.[8]
Strategic Priorities
[edit]The Alliance identifies three strategic priorities: making disciples, equipping leaders, and multiplying ministries.[9]
References
[edit]- ↑ https://arc21.org/churches
- ↑ "As RCA churches talk about splitting, they do so with grace". Calvin University Chimes. October 31, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
- ↑ "Division of the Reformed Church in America over LGBT issues". Fox 17. November 11, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
- ↑ "Reformed Church in America splits a conservative churches from new denomination". Word and Way. January 11, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ↑ "Reformed Church in America Splits as Conservatives Form New Denomination". Christianity Today. January 7, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ↑ "A New Organization: Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC)". The Aquila Report. August 19, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ↑ "Leadership Team". Alliance of Reformed Churches. Retrieved September 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Doctrine of the Covenants of the Reformed Churches". Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ↑ "Strategic Priorities | Discover Our Mission Now". Alliance of Reformed Churches. Retrieved September 24, 2026.