To Be or Not to Be Reformed: Upholding the Formula of Subscription (1)

Every year in Protestant Reformed Churches across North America (usually this time of year), when elders and deacons are installed, a particularly solemn event occurs. A document is read and signed by any man who has not served as an officebearer in that congregation. Most often this is done in a public worship service (and churches are encouraged to do it publicly -- the event deserves this emphasis). The officebearers are signing a document by which they affirm that they fully agree with all...