We recognise that there are a number of doctrines, not referred to in the Basis of Faith, over which genuine Christian believers may take different views. Our Doctrinal Distinctives set out the position and teaching of the Church on these matters.

Baptism is by immersion in water, into the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, of those who have professed repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolises the believer’s union with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, and also union with fellow believers in the Body of Christ. Being baptised does not itself make someone a Christian.

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of our Saviour’s death, until He comes again in glory at the end of the age. The Lord’s Supper is not a sacrifice for sin, and does not involve any change in the substance of the bread and wine; Christ is present at the supper through the person of the Holy Spirit, apprehended by faith alone. Only professing Christians should receive the Lord’s Supper. Taking part in the Lord’s Supper does not itself make someone a Christian.

Men and women are equal in value and dignity: both are created in the image of God. If they are Christians, both men and women are included in the Body of Christ, and their combined service and gifts are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Yet men and women have distinct and complementary roles. In particular, the teaching of the Bible is that the primary leaders and teachers of the Church are to be suitably qualified men (see for example 1 Timothy 3:1-13).