congregational church
A worship space used for services and religious ceremonies by a Congregationalist congregation.
A Congregational church is a space used for services, prayer, and religious ceremonies in Congregationalism, a religious movement which arose in Britain around the end of the 16th century in resistance to the conformity imposed by the anglican and presbyterian churches.
Congregationalists played a major role in the 17th century religious strife in England, and established themselves as a strong presence in America and other lands settled by religious nonconformists from Europe. They generally insist on the autonomous nature of each individual congregation, although individual churches may belong to various different Congregationalist organizations, including the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, and the United Church of Christ.
Local congregational autonomy is part of this religious tradition, and membership in a wider Congregationalist organization is compatible with it. An independently organized church in another tradition, such as a Baptist church, does not become Congregationalist solely through its local governance.
congregational church Photos
Related definitions
-
adventist church
A worship space used for prayer and services by a Saturday-observing Adventist congregation. -
anglican church
A worship space used for services and religious ceremonies in the Anglican or Episcopal tradition. -
baptist church
A worship space used for regular services and prayer by a congregation in the Baptist tradition. -
calvinist church
A consecrated house of worship in the Calvinist tradition, including Reformed churches. -
christian community church
A worship space used for services and sacraments by a congregation of The Christian Community. -
christian science church
A worship space used for services and prayer by a congregation of the Church of Christ, Scientist. -
eastern orthodox church
A worship space used for prayer, liturgy, and religious ceremonies by an Eastern Orthodox congregation. -
interdenominational church
A Christian worship space open to any denomination or shared by more than two denominations. -
lutheran church
A worship space used for masses, prayer, and religious services by a Lutheran congregation. -
methodist church
A worship space used for services, prayer, and religious ceremonies by a Methodist congregation. -
new apostolic church
A worship space used for regular services and prayer by a congregation of the New Apostolic Church. -
non-denominational church
A house of worship in a particular Christian faith which is not tied to a broadly established denomination. -
old catholic church
A house of worship in a branch of the Catholic faith which has broken with Roman authority. -
oriental orthodox church
A house of worship belonging to one of the churches of the Oriental Orthodox communion. -
pentecostal church
A worship space used for regular services and prayer by a congregation in the Pentecostal movement. -
presbyterian church
A worship space used for services and religious ceremonies by a Presbyterian congregation. -
quaker meeting house
A place designated for frequent religious meetings by members of the Religious Society of Friends. -
roman catholic church
A worship space used for Roman Catholic masses, prayer, and ceremonies under the authority of the Pope. -
unitarian church
A house of worship used for religious services by a congregation in the Unitarian tradition.