Change And Continuity

Some, when they think of continuity in the Church, think of the continuity of individuals. It surely is more important, though, to have a continuity of covenantal commitments and spiritual ethos. In fact, that is why Churches have, on the one hand, statements of faith and polity, and on the other hand, constitutions and resolutions. If there is change, therefore, it may be worth the question: is it people who have changed, or is it something about commitments and ethos that has changed?