Presbyterians

Major differences:

1. Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and conduct....stress the importance of scholarship re. Scriptures
2. Only two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper {Holy Communion}
3. Eucharist...Jesus is spiritually present in the elements; physical elements do not change; Jesus is genuinely present there
4. Justification by grace through faith
5. Church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike
6. There are no bishops but rather the office of elder...commissioned non-clergy elected by the congregation who take part in local pastoral care and decision-making at all levels
7. Mary is not the mediator between man and God; she is honored as God-bearer and model for the Christian
8. Deny Purgatory
9. Believe in Predestination
10. Women can be ordained
11. Variety of positions on eschatology

They believe in:

1. Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, Westminster Confession
2. Trinity
3. Christ is truly human and fully God
4. Strong commitment to missionary activity

Catechesis required:

1. Ecclesiology including:
   • justification by faith and good works
   • church as Body of Christ
   • church as community
   • church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic
   • hierarchical structure of the Church ... and authority in the Church
   • infallibility
   • Communion of Saints, Mary and the Saints
2. Eucharistic theology - our understanding of
   • Transubstantiation
   • Real Presence
   • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
3. Holy Orders and Marriage and other sacraments