The Reformed Church in Latvia ( lv, Evanģēliskā Reformātu-Brāļu draudze) is a confessional
Calvinist
Calvinism (also called the Reformed Tradition, Reformed Protestantism, Reformed Christianity, or simply Reformed) is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Ca ...
denomination in
Latvia with two congregations and the Baltic Reformed Seminary in Riga.
Origin
This denomination currently has two congregations in
Riga. The oldest
Calvinist
Calvinism (also called the Reformed Tradition, Reformed Protestantism, Reformed Christianity, or simply Reformed) is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Ca ...
church was built in 1733, membership was mostly
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
** Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ge ...
traders and consisted of 1000 members till 1938. During World War II, the Germans left. In 1949, the Calvinist church joined the Evangelical Church of the Brethren and the Evangelical Brethren Community. The Evangelical - Reformed Brethren Community was formed. Later in 1964, during the Communist regime the church was transferred to a sound studio.
In the 1990s the church was reorganised and with the help of the
Presbyterian Church in America
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is the second-largest Presbyterian church body, behind the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the largest conservative Calvinist denomination in the United States. The PCA is Reformed in theology and presb ...
planted another church and founded The Baltic Reformed Seminary. The church building was returned to the church in December 1993, the rededication service was held in May 1994. Since 1996, a pastor from Toronto serves the church.
The Reformed Church in Latvia is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
Theology
The church teaches the five Solas:
* ''Sola scriptura - Scripture Alone
* ''Sola fide'' - Faith Alone
* ''Solus Christus'' - Christ Alone
* ''Sola gratia'' - Grace Alone
* ''Soli Deo gloria'' - the Glory of God Alone
Creeds
* Apostles Creed
* Nicene Creed
* Athanasian Creed
Confessions
* Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
* Westminster Confession of Faith (1647)
* Canons of Dort (1618)
Churches
*Baltic Reformed Seminary
*Riga Reformed Church]
*Riga Reformed Bible Church]
*Mission to the World (PCA)
Interchurch relations
It is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
www.wcrc.ch/node/164
References
{{Reflist
Reformed denominations in Europe
Members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches
Religion in Latvia
1733 establishments in the Russian Empire
Religious organizations established in 1733