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Presbyterian Church in Canada
Description
The Presbyterian Church is one of the largest Protestant Churches in Canada. The term Presbyterianism generally refers to a system of Church government by elected representative assemblies called presbyteries, in contrast to government by bishops (episcopal system, prelacy) or by congregations (congregationalism, independency).
In its application to the Church, Presbyterian is the name given to a group of Churches that represent the features of Protestantism emphasized by John Calvin, the 16th-century French Protestant Reformer who greatly influenced the Swiss Reformation movement. The Presbyterian Church of Canada, derived from the Church of Scotland, is one several Churches modeled on the Swiss Reformation. The Swiss, Dutch and some German Churches are known as Reformed; the French Church is known as Huguenot; those in Bohemia, Hungary and Scotland are called by their national names; the English, Canadian and other derived Churches are known as Presbyterian. Many of them have joined the Alliance of the Reformed Churches Throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System, which was formed in 1876 with the aim of securing interdenominational cooperation in general Church work.
The primary distinguishing characteristics of the Presbyterian Church are its presbyterian form of church government, Calvinistic theology, and the absence of prescribed forms of worship. These are set forth in the Westminster Declarations of Belief, which include the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Catechism.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
Sacraments
The Presbyterian Church has two sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Baptisms are celebrated frequently, as required, usually in conjunction with a profession of faith and admission to Church membership. It is a baptism of believers, but infant baptism is common. The sacrament may be administered at any age. Traditionally, Communion is celebrated four times a year, but more commonly, it is celebrated monthly or every Sunday. Ordination of ministers, though not considered a sacrament, is a special rite by which the clergy are commissioned to their special place in the Church.
Moral Code
Old and New Testaments of the Bible, including the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Westminster Confession of Faith.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship vary in architectural style from early Canadian wood structures to neo-Gothic and modern buildings of stone and brick. The interior layout is patterned on that of the modified Roman basilica of Europe and North America and consists of a narthex (vestibule); a nave (large space for the congregation); and a chancel, or sanctuary (elevated space around the altar for clergy, choir), which is separated from the nave by a rood screen or railing. The size of the building generally reflects the size of the congregation. Churches commonly have a bell tower or a steeple bearing a cross.
Devotional Practices and Services
Worship services are held on Sundays and special days of observance. Services generally consist of scriptural readings; common prayer, led by clergy; songs; and sermons. The Lord’s Supper is offered on regular occasions. Music may be led by choirs and accompanied by musical instruments, with the congregation joining in to sing. Music generally consists of songs published in an approved hymnbook.
Clergy, Organization and Government
The clergy comprises ministers “of word and sacrament” and “diaconal” ministers, ordained by the Church after a period of formal theological study and called to service by congregations. A Presbyterian form of government is led by representative assemblies of elected elders at local and national levels. The levels of hierarchy, known as courts, regulate and guide Church affairs.
Propagation of the Faith
Major Celebrations and Observances
Days of Regular Observance
Presbyterians give special emphasis to Sundays and to Christmas, Good Friday and Easter, though congregations more commonly observe all the holidays of the Christian calendar.
Every Sunday (day of rest and worship). Advent (preparation for Christmas). Christmas Day: 25 December. Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus; visit by the Magi). Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent). Lent (period of fasting). Palm Sunday (Jesus enters Jerusalem). Easter, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday (Jesus’ death and resurrection). Ascension Day (Jesus’ ascension). Pentecost (birth of the Christian Church).
Special Observances
The sacrament of Communion, celebrated at least four times annually. The sacrament of baptism, celebrated as frequently as required, in the midst of the congregation.
Dress Requirements
Dietary Requirements
During Lent, Presbyterians may give up a part of their diet for fasting. Some give up all meat, while others will eat fish. Although consumption of alcohol is not prohibited, the Church encourages and supports abstention and recommends moderation in use.
Medical and Health Requirements
Abortion is acceptable only when the mother’s life is in danger or her health may be seriously impaired by the pregnancy. The Church considers homosexual practices immoral, while not condemning homosexuals themselves. The Church opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide but is supportive of the need of both patients and families to permit dying with dignity (that is, the avoidance of heroic measures to preserve the lives of the terminally ill). Medical and health issues of concern in modern life are resolved with pastoral assistance on an individual basis when requested.
Death and Burial
Death and burial: A belief in a heavenly afterlife for those predestined by God for eternal salvation informs common practices and marks of respect for the deceased. There are no prescribed practices or rites, though church memorial services and burial accompanied by prayer and invocation to God are common among adherents. Funeral services may be held in church or at the funeral home. The Church generally follows standard practices for Christian funerals and burial. The Church does not object to cremation.
Other
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.presbycan.ca — official website of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
50 Wynford Drive
Toronto, ON M3C 1J7
Phone: (416) 441-1111, or toll free at 1-800-619-7301
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