Profession of Faith

Jewish and Islamic declarations

In Judaism, the fundamental statement is the Shema Israel, drawn from the biblical text of Deuteronomy. Reciting this passage affirms the core principle that the Lord is God and the Lord is one. Within Islam, the spoken testimony is known as the shahada, which translates from Arabic as testimony. This declaration stands as the most important of the five primary duties required of every Muslim, defining their core devotion.

Biblical roots and the early church

Christian professions of faith trace back to the New Testament scriptures. Early converts, including Cornelius, proclaimed their belief in Jesus Christ during baptismal rites. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul of Tarsus highlighted how Timothy had declared his convictions in the presence of witnesses. The Early Church condensed its central message into the kerygma, a core proclamation announcing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Messiah who died and was raised.

Varieties across Christian churches

Different denominations use specific formulas when welcoming members. In the Catholic Church, baptized entrants recite the Nicene Creed followed by an affirmation of church teachings, moving away from older historical customs that required explicit renunciations of prior beliefs. Lutheran communities welcome baptized newcomers through personal declarations. The Church of England employs the Apostles' Creed at baptisms, and those appointed as bishops also deliver formal statements. United Methodists use confessions during infant baptisms, confirmations, and adult receptions. In Baptist, Pentecostal, and nondenominational traditions, older youths and adults openly testify to their conversion prior to receiving believer's baptism.

How Profession of Faith is kept

The ceremony varies depending on the religious tradition and occasion. In some churches, parents or godparents recite traditional creeds like the Apostles' Creed on behalf of an infant. In Baptist and Pentecostal traditions, older candidates personally testify about their spiritual conversion before undergoing baptism. Adults entering the Catholic Church join in reciting the Nicene Creed before declaring their acceptance of church teaching. In Judaism and Islam, standard sacred phrases are spoken to affirm core theological truths.

When and where

A profession of faith takes place at significant spiritual moments. These include baptisms, confirmations, joining a congregation, being appointed as a bishop, or entering adulthood within traditions that practice believer's baptism.

These declarations are spoken publicly within places of worship, before congregations, or privately in pastoral settings like confessionals, depending on denominational rules and personal circumstances.

What Profession of Faith means

Making a profession signifies personal commitment and unity with a spiritual community. It marks the transition of an individual into active membership or religious office. By speaking established texts aloud, believers link their personal convictions to the shared history and theological foundations of their faith.

Questions people ask about Profession of Faith

See also

TallitA four-cornered Jewish prayer shawl with ritual fringes worn during worshipBar and bat mitzvahA Jewish rite of passage marking when youth reach adulthood and take responsibility for their own actions.HoraA circle dance from Southeast Europe, danced at weddings and festivalsPassoverA Jewish spring festival celebrating freedom from slavery with ritual meals

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Profession of faith on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.