Cornelis Ris

Cornelis Ris (1717–1790), called Cornelius Ris on the supplied timeline, served as a Mennonite preacher at Hoorn from 1747 until his death. His best-known work was a detailed account of the faith, published at Hoorn in 1766 under the title De geloofsleere der waare Mennoniten of Doopsgezinden.

The confession contained thirty-six articles. In 1773 it was recognized by the society of Mennonite churches whose delegates met at the Zonist church in Amsterdam. This reception helped it circulate beyond the author’s own congregation; a German edition followed at Hamburg in 1776.

Its later use included instruction and discussion among North American Mennonites. A proposal to make it the General Conference’s official confession did not succeed, so its influence should be distinguished from formal adoption. The linked texts follow a particular minister and document through the churches that read and used them.