Orthodox Christian Reformed Church
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The Orthodox Christian Reformed Church (OCRC) is a theologically conservative federation of churches in the Dutch Calvinist tradition. These churches confess the Bible to be the Word of God and believe it is faithfully summarized by the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort.
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[edit] History of the OCRC
The first OCRC congregation was organized in Listowel (now Wingham), Ontario Canada, in 1979 by families who had left the Christian Reformed Church for doctrinal reasons. The late Rev. Harry Van Dyken was very instrumental in the formation of the federation and founding churches. Over the next few years, congregations were formed in Grand Valley Michigan USA, Toronto Ontario Canada, and Burlington, Washington, USA.
Representatives of these churches began meeting in 1981 to discuss church order and federation. The OCRC was formally organized in March 1988 with seven congregations. Since then some new churches have joined and others have left. At present the federation numbers six churches. In Washington: Burlington and Sunnyside. In British Columbia: Kelowna. In Ontario: Bowmanville, Cambridge, and Nobleton.
[edit] Beliefs of the OCRC
The OCRC believes in the Bible as the only Word of God and that it is without error and is the final authority for all of life.
[edit] Confessions
These are also called the Three Forms of Unity.
- Belgic Confession of Faith, 1561
- Heidelberg Catechism, 1563
- Canons of Dordt, 1618-1619
[edit] Creeds
Sometimes known as the Ecumenical Creeds.
- Apostles Creed, cira 150
- Nicene Creed, 381
- Athanasian Creed, 500
[edit] Congregations and External Link
- Immanuel Orthodox Christian Reformed Church Nobleton Ontario
- Cambridge Orthodox Christian Reformed Church Cambridge Ontario
- Burlington Orthodox Christian Reformed Church Burlington Washington
- Sunnyside Orthodox Christian Reformed Church Sunnyside Washington
The Orthodox Christian Reformed Church of Burlington has a current list of congregations on its website.