The basic understanding of the word Christian was argued out over sixteen hundred years ago by a representative council of Christian leaders at a place called Nicea.  At that time a faith statement was published stating just what Christians actually believed. It’s called the Nicene Creed.

There have been a great number of teachings about different subjects put forward within different groups of Christians since the time of Nicea.  A significant variety of manners and styles of Christian worship has also developed.  However, this basic creed has endured as the core.

At RFC you will find that we are pretty reserved about adding more creeds or statements of faith not found in the Nicene Creed.  We choose this creed because we believe wholeheartedly in these basic truths and we live our lives by them.  But beyond these truths, that are established as crucial to Christian faith and identity, we hold that there is room for variation on many points of teaching within the Christian faith.  In other words - we hold to a few truths firmly, never to waiver, everything else is open for variation and examination.  

Someday, when the Lord sets everything right, we will be able to know about these other things, but for now we grasp only a few things as sure and unchangeable.

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things are made;

For us men and our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried, and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with Glory to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the Prophets.  And I believe in one catholic (universal) and apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.  - Amen