The Orthodox Free Reformed Church (OFRC)
History
The Orthodox Free Reformed Church (OFRC) is the result of an oganic union between Anglican, Methodist and Congregational Reformed Church members in England in 2003. It is a result of Biblically Orthodox Christians finding common fellowship in a new Reformed, Congregational, grouping - with a reaffirmation of male leadership.
Accordingly, a Congregation within the OFRC is governed by a Church Assembly (church meeting), which consists of one or more Ministers (teaching elders) and a number of Deacons (ruling elders). Elders must meet the scriptural qualifications for the eldership. They are ordained for life and installed to office. Every local congregation is independent, and that aspect of the elder's office is emphasized in which he is regarded as a representative of the people in the affairs of the church.
Ministers are licensed by the General Church Assembly, and are called by congregations; Deacons (ruling elders) are elected by congregations. As required by the Scriptures, all the eldership must be men. Nonordained people often sit on committees that supervise important areas of congregational life, but always under the oversight of the Church Assembly.
The OFRC is presbyterian only at the level of the congregations, which are united with one another by covenants of trust. A General Church Assembly gathers annually, under the chairmanship of an elected Moderator, to plan the activity of the OFRC across the United Kingdom.
Members are received into a Congregation by the Church Assembly on the basis of their credible profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are exposed to the Reformed faith from the pulpit, from the teaching ministry of the church, and from the sincere convictions of their Elders. They are required to receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and Catechisms as a standard for membership. Believers who have been baptized and who have professed their faith in Christ to the Elders are termed "Communicant Members". They are admitted to the Lord's Supper and have voting rights and responsibilities within the congregation. Baptized children, being minors, do not exercise voting rights.
Polity
The OFRC acknowledges Jesus Christ as her only head and his word as the final authority in all matters of faith and life. It is our desire to be faithful to our Lord, not only in matters of doctrine, but also in matters of structure, government, and order. Freemasonry and Congregation Membership
The OFRC 1st General Assembly 2004 found Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry, together with the various ‘Christian’ Degrees associated with it, in the United Kingdom, is fully compatible with Congregation membership at any level. Communicant Members are however advised to consult an Elder before joining any Masonic, or other Fraternal or Sororitorial body – as they are able to give current definitive advice.