Synod of Westminster

The Westminster Assembly was convened by the English Long Parliament in 1643 to reform the Church of England. This assembly, comprising English clergymen, laymen, and Scottish Presbyterians, aimed to establish a new structure for worship and doctrine. While all members were Calvinists, they represented diverse views on church governance.

The assembly produced significant theological works, including the Larger and Shorter Westminster catechisms, the Westminster Confession, and the Directory of Public Worship. These documents were largely adopted by Presbyterians globally. Although the Westminster Confession was approved by Parliament in 1648, its official status in England was lost with the restoration of the monarchy and episcopacy in 1660. Despite this, the confession and catechisms became foundational doctrinal standards for English-speaking Presbyterians.123