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The
Pennsylvania Universalist ConventionAvowals, Articles, Professions and Statements |
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MEMBER AREA
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Universalists first adopted a
statement of faith in 1790. That document was succeeded in 1803 by the
Winchester Profession, which was further interpreted by later
documents. Almost all Universalist avowals contained a liberty clause,
noting that no profession of particular doctrine was required for fellowship
in the faith.
The Philadelphia Articles of Faith of 1790 Section 1. OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to contain a revelation of the perfections and will of God, and the rule of faith and practice. Section 2. OF THE SUPREME BEING We believe in One God, infinite in all his perfections; and that these perfections are all modifications of infinite, adorable, incomprehensible and unchangeable Love. Section 3. OF THE MEDIATOR We believe that there is One Mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; who, by giving himself a ransom for all, hath redeemed them to God by his blood; and who, by the merit of his death, and the efficacy of his Spirit, will finally restore the whole human race to happiness. Section 4. OF THE HOLY GHOST We believe in the Holy Ghost, whose office it is to make known to sinners the truth of their [this] salvation, through the medium of the Holy Scriptures, and to reconcile the hearts of the children of men to God, and thereby dispose them to genuine holiness. Section 5. OF GOOD WORK We believe in the obligation of the moral law, as to
the rule of life; and we hold that the love of God manifest to man in a
Redeemer, is the best means of producing obedience to that law, and promoting a
holy, active and useful life. Winchester Profession of 1803
Article I. We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament
contain a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interest and
final destination of mankind.
Article II. We believe that there is one God, whose nature is Love, revealed
in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore
the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.
Article III. We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably
connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice
good works; for these things are good and profitable unto men. The "Five Principles" of 1899
. . . the essential principles of the Universalist faith, to wit:
The Universal Fatherhood of God; The Winchester
Profession is commended as containing these principles, but neither this, nor
any other precise form of words, is required as a condition of fellowship,
provided always the principles as stated above be professed.
The Washington Declaration of 1935
The bond of fellowship in this Convention (church) shall be a common purpose
to do the will of God as Jesus revealed it and to co-operate in establishing the
kingdom for which he lived and died.
To that end, we avow our faith in God as Eternal and All-conquering Love, in
the spiritual leadership of Jesus, in the supreme worth of every human
personality, in the authority of truth known or to be known, and in the power of
men of good-will and sacrificial spirit to overcome evil and progressively
establish the Kingdom of God.
Neither this nor any other statement shall be imposed as a creedal test,
provided that the faith thus indicated be professed. |