WHAT WE BELIEVE

The things that Presbyterians believe are outlined in our Book of Confessions, first compiled and adopted in 1967. These confessions are 11 in number, beginning with two creeds from antiquity- The Nicene Creed and The Apostles' Creed, and ending with A Brief Statement of Faith, adopted in 1991 to celebrate the 1983 reunion of the Northern and Southern Presbyterian churches.

In humility we admit that our faith can never be perfectly or completely defined by words. God defies the ability of the wisest theologians and the greatest poets to describe, quantify, or portray. Yet we keep on trying, for the same reason that we gasp in wonder when we come upon a grand majestic vista.

"After being raised by a family of Christians in Maine, I came to Alaska years ago for a 'little adventure'... and am still finding it."  

 "Grace and I were attracted to the Ketchikan Presbyterian Church many years ago because it's membership was a reflection of the community at large... and it still is today!  Over the years we have remained faithful because within the framework faith there was room for me to think independently. God's presence in my life has allowed/encouraged/enabled me to make a difference in the lives of others.God gives me a purpose with strength."

Steve, member for more than 40 years

OUR BOOK OF CONFESSIONS

The words that Christian use to define their faith are always shaped by their times. We choose certain words because we are speaking to a particular world, and we choose certain words because our faith grows in response to what we experience in the world around us.

Our Book of Confessions is available in a pdf version and in a searchable version at this web page: http://www.pcusa.org/oga/constitution.htm

More detailed information on what Presbyterians believe can be found at this web page:

http://www.pcusa.org/navigation/whoweare.htm

THE APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.