ARTICLE 32—THE ORDER AND DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH

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The Belgic Confession, 1561

ARTICLE 32—THE ORDER AND DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH

We believe that, although it is useful and good for those who govern the Church to establish a certain order to maintain the body of the Church, they must at all times watch that they do not deviate from what Christ, our only Master, has commanded. Therefore we reject all human inventions and laws introduced into the worship of God which bind and compel the consciences in any way. We accept only what is proper to preserve and promote harmony and unity and to keep all in obedience to God. To that end, discipline and excommunication ought to be exercised in agreement with the Word of God.