As Presbyterians we believe in the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job ministers and lay people alike to share this Good News with the whole world and to work to build God’s kingdom on earth. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.
The Presbyterian Church of Astoria, in particular, believes we are all God’s children, and therefore we are “open and affirming” - open to all God’s people and affirming of all life situations. And, as a child of God, each person has value and is called to serve God through their talents, gifts, and abilities regardless of any of the labels that might divide and exclude people.