The seal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a symbolic statement of the church's heritage, identity, and mission in contemporary form.
Our Presbyterian Identity
Shaped by its Reformed theology, history, and representational form of leadership, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) faithfully works to serve Christ in the world through new and existing communities of faith, hope, love, and witness.
Church Government
Presbyterians have a distinctive form of church government, or polity, in which the authority to make decisions is lodged not in individuals but in groups, known as councils, made up of both ministers and elected members of congregations known as ruling elders. The word "Presbyterian" comes from the Greek word for "elder."
The body of elders elected by a congregation to govern a congregation is called a "session." In one sense, sessions represent the other members of the congregation — even more importantly, they seek to discover and represent the will of Christ as they govern. Presbyterian elders are both elected and ordained. Ministers of the Word and Sacrament (also known as teaching elders) are elected by the congregation and are also part of the session.
Our Presbyterian Beliefs
The constitution of the Presbyterian Church is in two parts: Part I is the Book of Confessions containing historical statements of what we as a church believe, and Part II is the Book of Order, which includes the foundations of Presbyterian Polity, Form of Government, Directory for Worship, and Church Discipline.
Presbyterians confess their beliefs through statements that have been adopted over the years and are contained in The Book of Confessions. These statements reflect our understanding of God and what God expects of us at different times in history. Even though we share these common beliefs, Presbyterians understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to understand what these principles mean in his or her life.
Sacraments
Baptism
In baptism, we are claimed by God and joined to Christ. Presbyterians baptize infants as well as adults, recognizing God's covenant with believers and their children.
Lord's Supper
Also called Communion or the Eucharist, this sacrament celebrates Christ's presence among us, nourishing us spiritually and uniting us with believers across time and space.
Social Justice Commitment
Presbyterians believe that Jesus Christ made it clear in his teachings we have an ethical responsibility to engage in issues of social justice. Our social witness stance is affirmed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which encourages church members and leaders to go to places of suffering and need to alleviate poverty, stop violence, protect the planet from climate change, and seek justice for immigrants, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of color. By engaging in those issues from a biblical perspective, the church recognizes God's sovereignty over every aspect of human life.
Social Equity
Addressing systemic injustice and promoting human dignity for all people.
Environment
Protecting God's creation through climate action and sustainability.
Inclusivity
Welcoming all people regardless of background or identity.