13. Confessions and creeds
Confessions, catechisms, and creeds are primary theological sources. Cite them by article, chapter, question, or paragraph number, not by page number. Use standard, recognised English editions where possible.
These documents are normally cited in footnotes at first reference. After that they can be cited in shortened form. They are not ordinarily listed in the bibliography unless a specific published edition is discussed.
13.1 First (Full) Footnote Citation
The first citation must give the full title of the document and the relevant division (chapter, article, or question).
Format:
Footnote number. Title of Confession or Creed, chapter/article/question number.
Examples:
- Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 8.2.
- Westminster Confession of Faith 11.1.
- Heidelberg Catechism Q. 1.
- Nicene Creed.
13.2 Shortened Footnote Citations
After the first citation, a shortened form can be used. Standard abbreviations are acceptable where clarity is maintained.
Examples:
- WCF 11.2.
- 1689 LBCF 8.5.
- HC Q. 60.
13.3 Confessions and Catechisms in the Text
References to confessions and catechisms can also appear parenthetically in the text. This is useful when the reference is brief and does not require further comment.
Examples:
- Justification is defined as an act of God’s free grace (WCF 11.1).
- Christ’s mediatorial work is described in covenantal terms (1689 LBCF 8.1–3).
12.4 Creeds
Ecumenical creeds are cited by name. Where divisions are not standardised, citation by name alone is sufficient.
Examples:
- Apostles’ Creed.
- Nicene Creed.
12.5 Bibliography
Confessions, catechisms, and creeds are not normally included in the bibliography.
When a specific published edition or translation is discussed as a source (for example, an annotated edition), it can be listed.
Example (Bibliography Entry):
The Westminster Confession of Faith. Glasgow: Free Presbyterian Publications, 2003.