3 December 2025

On Sunday, we ordained two members of the congregation at Pittenweem into the office of the eldership. Although the liturgy was very similar to what I had used in the past, there were a few significant changes because the  General Assembly downgraded the Westminster Confession of Faith.

For a very long time, this Confession has been styled our ‘subordinate standard’. This is no longer the case. The Kirk has adopted a ‘Book of Confessions’ which not only includes the Westminster Confession of Faith but also the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds, the Scots Confession and the Declaration of Faith (1992).

In the Declaration which prefaces the vow which the prospective elders make, it now reads, ‘The subordinate standards of the Church of Scotland are contained in its Book of Confessions, recognising liberty of opinion on such points of doctrine as do not enter into the fundamental doctrines of the Faith …’

The Declaration concludes differently. Before, the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith were contained in the Westminster Confession. Now they are ‘expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds’. To me, this affords greater clarity and aligns the Kirk with many more ecumenical partners.

Although the promise which the prospective elders make is the same, the Formula which they sign reads, ‘I believe the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. I promise to be guided in my life and doctrine by the Book of Confessions  of this Church’.

There is much greater clarity on what elders are expected to believe. Whilst we still retain the Westminster Confession as a subordinate standard, we also include the beautiful Scots Confession, the valiant Declaration of Faith and the historic creeds. It is a very satisfactory way to realign office-bearers and the Kirk with the Universal Church.