What is the Difference Between the PCA and the Reformed Churches?

[jinc1019]

What is the difference between the Presbyterian Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church/Reformed Church in North America. I know that the CRC/RCA now ordains women, but other than that, I don't see much of a difference between the two groups. Any help on this would be just wonderful!

Justin

 

[hedrick]

It's mostly historical. Churches called "Reformed" come from Europe. The CRC and RCA are from the Dutch Reformed tradition. Churches called Presbyterian are from England and Scotland. Slightly different terms are used, e.g. Presbytery vs Classis. Theology should be similar, though conservative Presbyterian churches normally use the Westminster Confession, while the RCA at least uses a set of continental confessions. I tend to think of Westminster as being slightly more "hardcore," but I suspect this will vary among congregations. There are minor differences in emphasis. But mostly the PCA is going to be a bit more conservative, particularly compared to the RCA.

 

[jinc1019]

Thank you Hedrick! I greatly appreciate all of your help in every one of my posts!