| Reformed Presbyterian Church in Africa (Uganda) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Presbyterian |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Origin | 2007 Uganda |
| Congregations | 10 (Uganda) |
TheReformed Presbyterian Church in Africa (Uganda) is aReformed Presbyterian denomination that was established in 2007 by pastors and elders who graduated from the Westminster Theological Seminary in Mbale, Uganda. The church represents a confessional Reformed tradition within Uganda's diverse Christian landscape. In Uganda there are 10 congregations and 2 Presbyteries. InKenya andTanzania there is onePresbytery in each country.[1][2]
The denomination operates with a presbyterian form of church government, organized into presbyteries across multiple East African countries. In Uganda, the church maintains 10 congregations organized into 2 presbyteries, providing localized pastoral oversight and administration. The church's influence extends beyond Uganda's borders, with established presbyteries in both Kenya and Tanzania, each country having one presbytery to oversee congregational activities and church development.[3]
The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Africa (Uganda) adheres to classical Reformed theology, specifically embracing the Westminster Confession of Faith as its doctrinal standard. The denomination also affirms the Five Points of Calvinism, positioning itself within the broader Reformed theological tradition that emphasizes predestination, total depravity, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. This theological stance places the church within the historical Reformed tradition that traces its roots to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. The Westminster Confession of Faith, originally formulated by the Westminster Assembly in the 1640s, provides the church with a comprehensive doctrinal framework covering areas of scripture, God, creation, salvation, and Christian living.[3]
The church adheres to theReformed doctrine of theWestminster Confession of Faith and theFive points of Calvinism.The denomination is a member of theWorld Reformed Fellowship,[4] and theWorld Communion of Reformed Churches.[5]
The denomination maintains membership in significant Reformed organizations that connect it to the global Reformed community. It is a member of the World Reformed Fellowship, an international association of Reformed churches and organizations that promotes Reformed theology and practice worldwide. Additionally, the church belongs to the World Communion of Reformed Churches, a broader ecumenical organization that represents Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches globally.[3]
The establishment of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Africa (Uganda) in 2007 represents part of Uganda's rich Presbyterian heritage, which dates back to the 19th century through the missionary work of figures like Alexander Mackay from the Free Church of Scotland. Mackay, who served from 1849 to 1890, was instrumental in establishing Presbyterian Christianity in Uganda, despite facing significant persecution and challenges during his ministry.[2] The church's formation through Westminster Theological Seminary graduates reflects a commitment to theological education and pastoral training that maintains high standards of Reformed scholarship and practice. This educational foundation distinguishes the denomination within Uganda's Presbyterian landscape, which includes other Presbyterian bodies such as the Presbyterian Church in Uganda and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Uganda.[2]
The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Africa (Uganda) continues to serve communities across East Africa through its congregational network, emphasizing Reformed worship practices, systematic theological instruction, and pastoral care rooted in Westminster standards. The church's multi-national presence in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania demonstrates its commitment to regional Reformed Christianity and cross-cultural ministry within the East African context.[2]