this book is about the synod of dordt of 1574. june 2024 marks the 450th anniversary of this synod's convening. to date, no independent publication has appeared about this synod. it is often regarded as a private synod, as only delegates from holland and zeeland were able to attend. nevertheless, this synod was important as a link between the synod of emden of 1571 and the synod of dordrecht of 1578 for the development of the young and vulnerable reformed church during a confusing period. the synod of dordrecht of 1574 is also sometimes referred to as the “liturgical synod” because it made many decisions on liturgical and ecclesiastical legal matters. part 1 of this book deals with the text and context of the synod. part 2 focuses on specific liturgical and ecclesiastical legal topics.