Presbyterianism

Presbyterianism is a kind of Protestantism. The form of Christianity was started in Scotland by John Knox during the 16th century. It became powerful in England during the Civil War. Today, there are Presbyterian churches across the world. "Presbyter" comes from a Greek word meaning "elder".

Presbyterians, its followers, believe that the Bible is the most important thing in their church because it has been given to humans by God and has no errors in it. They believe that God has control over everything and has chosen to make some people follow Jesus Christ but not others. Like Calvinists, they also believe that only followers of Jesus can get into Heaven.

Presbyterian churches may be led by men called ministers, rectors or elders, who rule in committees. Some Presbyterian churches have women as elders.

There is no overall leader, and there are no bishops in the Presbyterian tradition. On Sundays, the Bible, which Presbyterians consider to be the Word of God, is read, and a sermon preached by the minister is at the heart of a morning worship service, which also includes group singings of some worship songs.

Around the world

There are Presbyterian churches on every continent except Antarctica, but they do not always agree with one another. There have been many splits, or schisms, caused by various disagreements about what they believe or how they should be organised. Some schisms have been healed, but many have not.

In Scotland, where Presbyterianism started, there are at least seven different groups, or denominations. There are also three main groups in England, one in Wales and five in Northern Ireland.

There are dozens of different denominations in North America, almost all in the United States. They arrived during the 17th century, mostly from Scotland, but already disagreed with one another. Most countries in South America have had Presbyterian churches since the 19th century.

At least 23 countries in Africa have Presbyterian churches, also since the 19th century.

In Asia, the Presbyterian Church of Korea was started through the Christian mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA). After Korean independence, the division was formed afresh, as Presbyterian Church in Korea (KoRyuPa) supports the views of Dutch Reformed churches. In 2012, a new General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Korea declared itself the authentic historical succession of John Knox.

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