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Presbyterians are Christians of all nationalities, races and cultures who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What makes us distinctive is our constitutional and democratic system of government. Authority and decision making are vested in governing bodies made up of elected lay people and clergy.
Theologically, our denomination is rooted in the Protestant reformation. John Calvin, the Swiss reformer, is the most important theological figure in this movement and considered the father of Presbyterianism .
Not all Presbyterians think alike. According to our historic principles, we believe there are issues on which people of good conscience may differ and that God alone is Lord of the conscience. At the same time, several fundamental beliefs have always been important to Presbyterians:
- We believe that in Jesus Christ, God showed his love for the world and for us. In Christ we find love, forgiveness, peace, and assurance for salvation.
- We emphasize the sovereignty of God in our lives and world. We consider God's presence and activity in the world to be a historical fact and present reality.
- We emphasize the special calling and responsibility of every Christian to live the Christian life and to be instruments of God's love in the world.
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