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The Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism
1. The assemblies which are generally called synods or councils ought to be held for the better government and continuing improvement of the church. By virtue of their office and the power Christ has given them to build up and not destroy, the leaders of particular churches should arrange for such assemblies and meet together in them as often as is judged necessary for the good of the church. [1]
[1] Acts 15:1-41, Rv 2:1-6, Acts 20:17,28, Is 49:23, 1 Tm 2:1-2, 2 Chr 19:8-11, 29-30, Mt 2:4-5, Prv 11:14, Acts 15, 20:17.
2. As far as the ministry is concerned, it is the responsibility of synods and councils to settle controversies of faith and cases relating to matters of conscience, to set down rules and directions for the better administration of the public worship of God and of church government, and to hear complaints in cases of maladministration and authoritatively to settle them. If these decisions conform to the word of God, they are to be accepted reverently and submissively, not only because they agree with the word but also because they rest on authority ordained and arranged by God in his word.[2]
[2] Acts 15:15,19,24,27-31, 16:4, Mt 18:17-20,29.
3. Since apostolic times all synods and councils, whether general or local, may make mistakes, and many have. Consequently synods and councils are not to be made a final authority in questions of faith and living but are to be used as an aid to both.[3]
[3] Eph 2:20, Acts 17:11, 1 Cor 2:5, 2 Cor 1:24; see General Note.
4. Synods and councils should consider and settle only ecclesiastical questions. They are not to meddle in civil affairs which concern the state except in extraordinary cases of modest petitions or in an advisory capacity prompted by religious conscience, when requested by civil authorities.[4]
[4] Lk 12:13-14, Jn 18:36, Mt 22:21.
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