Shadow Forge
Puritan Board Freshman
Could anyone explain to me the differences between the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Continuing or FCS?
FPCU vs FCSC
- Thread starter Shadow Forge
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- denominations ireland scotland
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Jake
Puritan Board Senior
The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster (which also has the sister church in the US, the Free Presbyterian Church of North America) is most closely associated with Ian Paisley, the well-known churchman and politician in Northern Ireland who was not without controversy in the broader world. That being said, he is a sound, evangelical preacher. The denomination is known for being fundamentalist in orientation, being against drinking alcohol and in general emphasizing separation from the world. They also are KJV-onlyists of some stripe. They allow credo-baptist and paedo-baptist views on baptism and are not strict on the regulative principle or some other more traditional Reformed distinctives. I've heard for example of churches in this group using altar calls, and many have choirs, and I think all of them use instruments and hymns in worship. They also have a long association with Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.
It's hard to find overlap with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) except that both are conservative, Presbyterian denominations based in the UK. I would say the biggest similarities are they both use the KJV (though the FCoS(C) also allows the NKJV and maybe some other versions, being more concerned about the underlying text), they both tend to emphasize experimental preaching, and both have a large emphasis on holiness (though I wouldn't call the FCoS(C) fundamentalist in orientation). Most FPCoU/NA congregations use hymns, often including revival hymns, and not a lot of Psalms. The FCoS(C) is all psalms and all a capella.
It's hard to find overlap with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) except that both are conservative, Presbyterian denominations based in the UK. I would say the biggest similarities are they both use the KJV (though the FCoS(C) also allows the NKJV and maybe some other versions, being more concerned about the underlying text), they both tend to emphasize experimental preaching, and both have a large emphasis on holiness (though I wouldn't call the FCoS(C) fundamentalist in orientation). Most FPCoU/NA congregations use hymns, often including revival hymns, and not a lot of Psalms. The FCoS(C) is all psalms and all a capella.
Shadow Forge
Puritan Board Freshman
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have heard that the FCS and Continuing both hold the Sabbath very strongly insomuch that one cannot use a tv or radio, use public transportation nor drive anywhere unless an emergency occurs. Is this accurate?
Just briefly, the FCC has no statement barring the use of those things on the Sabbath. Those are all lawful things in themselves and ministers in the FCC teach their congregations to make use of lawful things lawfully and to the glory of God. The use of public transportation would, I'm sure, be something a pastor would advise and counsel on with a member who used it on the Sabbath, and an alternative worked out.
Polanus1561
Puritan Board Senior
Whatever it is worth:
"4. Supply preachers supplying on the Lord’s Day should avoid travel by public transport on the
Lord’s Day. In cases where public transport is used to fulfil an engagement in a
Congregation accommodation should be arranged in the local congregation from the Saturday
to the Monday."
LadyCalvinist
Puritan Board Junior
I think you may have confused the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, the FCC, and the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland is very strict, meaning that people should not use public transportation on the Sabbath. They have a fundamentalist streak.
D
Deleted member 6112
Guest
@Shadow Forge I'd like to warmly invite you to come down and worship with us at the Free Church of Scotland Continuing in Snellville sometime. The best way to get to know what we're like is to come down for a visit.
Regarding the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster/NA, we have a good bit of familiarity with them, too. One of our members was a member of their Atlanta congregation when it folded (the pastor of that church recommended us to him at that time). Some of my favorite preachers are Free Presbyterians. I had the privilege of worshipping with them in Greenville one Sabbath evening, and helped to close the place down after 10pm, following lots of edifying conversation.
We'd be happy to chat about your question at length if you'll come by.
I'd say our denominations are very similar in terms of emphasis, though we are rather dissimilar in our distinctives.
Regarding the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster/NA, we have a good bit of familiarity with them, too. One of our members was a member of their Atlanta congregation when it folded (the pastor of that church recommended us to him at that time). Some of my favorite preachers are Free Presbyterians. I had the privilege of worshipping with them in Greenville one Sabbath evening, and helped to close the place down after 10pm, following lots of edifying conversation.
We'd be happy to chat about your question at length if you'll come by.
I'd say our denominations are very similar in terms of emphasis, though we are rather dissimilar in our distinctives.
Northern Crofter
Puritan Board Junior
iainduguid
Puritan Board Junior
It should be noted that the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland is not the same as the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster or the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). It's tricky to keep everyone straight.
Northern Crofter
Puritan Board Junior
Agreed - I always find this chart helpful for those folks who get confused with regard to the Church in Scotland:
dsanch1120
Puritan Board Sophomore
Very helpful, thanks! It’s easy to get confused when every denomination is some variation of “church of Scotland.”
It makes sense as Presbyterianism is Scottish by birth, and that's not a bad thing.
Northern Crofter
Puritan Board Junior
I'm not sure the Scots would agree. The Form of Presbyterian Church Government according to the Westminster Standards adopted by the Church of Scotland in 1645 states:
"THE scripture doth hold out a presbytery in a church....
"This proposition is proved by instances:
"I. First, Of the church of Jerusalem, which consisted of more congregations than one, and all these congregations were under one presbyterial government." ("Of Classical Assemblies.")
It seems to me they are stating that they did not give birth to presbyterianism - rather, they are testifying that it existed in the earliest days of the New Testament Church.
Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
You guys. Ok!! 
I agree.
I agree.- Status
