SISTER CHURCHES

Today we hear much about denominational union as promoted by the ecumenical movement. Unfortunately, the union promoted is often at the expense of truth. All true believers enjoy union with Christ and therefore, as members of his body, spiritual solidarity with one another. It is true that this spiritual fellowship should be given greater visible expression, and we cannot endorse the actions of those who are rightly called schismatic.

But we also believe that there can be no real union between Churches without the bond of true religion. That means an uncompromising loyalty to Christ as Head, a unity of faith founded upon the Scriptures, and fidelity to the principles of Biblical worship. Such union was achieved, for instance, when the congregations of the Free Presbyterian Church of Victoria joined the PCEA in 1953.

The PCEA is not prepared to forsake truth and communion with God for the sake of 'peace' and 'fellowship' with men. Yet it is our prayer that ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock’ (Jeremiah 31:10). And because we value true Christian unity we are always open to faithful co-operation with other believers on the local level. The PCEA is a member of the International Conference of Reformed Churches.