Old-Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands

Old-Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands
Old Reformed Church in Urk
Classification	Protestant
Orientation	conservative Calvinist
Theology	Reformed
Polity	Presbyterian
Region	The Netherlands
Founder	Pastor Boone
Origin	1948 Netherlands
Congregations	57 plus three mission stations in the Netherlands
Members	18,000 (2005)[1]

The Old-Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands (Dutch: Oud Gereformeerde Gemeenten in Nederland) is a pietistic Reformed denomination in the Netherlands.

Characteristics

The characteristics of the denomination is the loose structure compared to other churches, and less dogmatic rigidity. In the recent years the denomination has worked closely with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

Statistics

The federation has 62 congregations and three departments in the Netherlands and one congregation located in Salford, Canada. Membership is approximately 18,000 baptized members. The largest congregations are in Urk, Barneveld, Geldermalsen, Kinderdijk, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Rijssen, Stavenisse. According to the Los Angeles Times, the federation is growing by 50 members annually.^[2]

Full list of all churches of the Old-Reformed Congregations in the Netherlands:

History

The federation was created in 1948 by the union of the Old Reformed Churches (Boone municipalities) and the Federation of Old Reformed Congregations. The Old Reformed Church was founded in 1907 with Pastor Boone as leader. The Federation of Old Reformed Churches was a small denomination founded in 1912. In 1952 a few Christian Reformed Churches also joined the^{[clarification needed]}. It has a theological seminary. In missions the Old-Reformed Church collaborates with the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.^[3]

Growth

The church experienced growth during the 1950 and the 1960s, mainly because the free congregations joined the Old-Reformed Congregations. The number of the 48 congregations that formed the federation increased to over 60. A few Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands parishes joined in Leersum, Thorn and Dortrecht.

Doctrine

The denomination adheres to the Three Forms of Unity of the Reformed faith: the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism.^[3]

Social issues

The church is against the use of television and movies. Homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia and contraception are regarded as sinful. The children of the members must go to reformed schools. The women must wear long skirts and headcoverings in worship services.

Separations

In 2007 the Old-Reformed Congregations (unconnected) was formed.

References