Who we are...

Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members. In fact, the word "Presbyterian" comes from the Greek word "Presbus" which means "elder," and describes the way Presbyterian churches are governed. To learn more about Presbyterian history, theology, and form of government, click here.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Visit the denomination's website www.pcusa.org  to learn about  all things Presbyterian. The Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination's headquarters are in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Presbyterian churches are connectional, meaning they work together with other churches and bodies to do Christ's work in mission, ministry, service, edcation, and government. Churches are clustered in geographical areas called presbyteries and synods. Westminster is a member of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse.  Presbyeries are grouped in larger clusters to form synods. We are a part of the Synod of the Northeast. 

Every other year, the denomination holds a General Assembly, where commissioners from all Presbyteries gather to worship, study, debate, and conduct business. Clergy and laity are represented in equal numbers. The 218th General Assembly met in San Jose, California June 21-28.        

 To learn more about the Presbyterian seal, click here.