United Reformed Churches (URC)

The Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC) and the United Reformed Churches (URC) are distinct Reformed Christian denominations, each rooted in Reformed theology but differing in historical origins, confessional emphases, and practices. Here’s an overview of their key differences:

1. Historical Background

  • Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
    • Originated in 1924 due to a split from the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) over the “Common Grace” controversy. The PRC rejected the teaching that God shows grace to the reprobate or unconditionally offers salvation to all.
    • Strongly emphasize the sovereignty of God and reject the idea of universal grace.
  • United Reformed Churches (URC):
    • Formed in the 1990s by congregations leaving the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) due to concerns over liberal theological trends, such as the ordination of women and perceived erosion of scriptural authority.
    • Aim to maintain classical Reformed teachings with a broader emphasis on unity and historical confessions.

2. Theological Emphasis

  • Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
    • Focus heavily on particular grace and double predestination.
    • Firmly rooted in the teachings of Herman Hoeksema, emphasizing God’s absolute sovereignty in election and reprobation.
    • Practice exclusive psalmody in worship and reject hymns.
  • United Reformed Churches (URC):
    • Broadly align with traditional Reformed theology as outlined in the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, and Canons of Dort).
    • More open to varying practices within worship, often including hymns alongside psalms.

3. Church Governance

  • Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
    • Strongly centralized governance within their denomination, reflecting their unique theological stance.
    • Maintain tight doctrinal controls and emphasize uniformity in belief and practice.
  • United Reformed Churches (URC):
    • Operate as a federation of churches, granting more autonomy to local congregations.
    • Strive for balance between unity and diversity in worship and practice.

4. Worship Practices

  • Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
    • Worship follows a strict, traditional format with exclusive psalm singing and no instrumental accompaniment in some congregations.
    • Sermons are often longer and deeply doctrinal.
  • United Reformed Churches (URC):
    • Worship tends to be more varied and may include hymns, psalms, and instruments.
    • While traditional, URC congregations allow some cultural and regional adaptations in worship style.

5. Size and Outreach

  • Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
    • Relatively small, with a strong emphasis on doctrinal purity over numerical growth.
  • United Reformed Churches (URC):
    • Larger and somewhat open to fellowship with other conservative Reformed bodies.

 

Here’s the updated table with the inclusion of their views on divorce and remarriage:

Category Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC) United Reformed Churches (URC)
Historical Background Originated in 1924 due to a split from the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) over the “Common Grace” controversy, rejecting the idea of universal grace. Formed in the 1990s by congregations leaving the CRC over concerns about liberal theological trends, emphasizing unity and historical confessions.
Theological Emphasis Strong focus on particular grace, double predestination, and God’s absolute sovereignty. Practices exclusive psalmody, rejecting hymns. Aligns with traditional Reformed theology (Three Forms of Unity). More open to varying worship practices, including hymns and instruments.
Church Governance Centralized governance with strict doctrinal control and emphasis on uniformity. Federation of churches granting more autonomy to local congregations, balancing unity and diversity.
Worship Practices Exclusive psalm singing (often without instruments), strict traditional format, and deeply doctrinal sermons. Varied worship styles, including psalms, hymns, and instruments, with some allowance for cultural and regional adaptations.
Divorce and Remarriage Views Strictly opposes remarriage after divorce, viewing marriage as a lifelong covenant. Divorce is only permitted in rare cases, such as adultery or abandonment, but remarriage is not allowed. Allows for divorce and remarriage in cases of marital unfaithfulness (adultery) or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, following biblical grounds (e.g., Matthew 19:9, 1 Corinthians 7:15).
Size and Outreach Relatively small, emphasizing doctrinal purity over numerical growth. Larger and more open to fellowship with other conservative Reformed bodies, focusing on outreach while maintaining doctrinal integrity.