Congregationalism

Congregationalism

The Congregationalist church evolved from among the Protestant churches in England at the turn of the 17th Century. This denomination is characterized by the autonomy of each congregation. As such, each congregation is not dependent upon a higher authority, but has a right and duty to make its own decisions. Autonomy is a principle upheld by other denominations such as Baptist and Disciples of Christ as well. However, the title Congregationalist, is reserved for those churches that hold the congregational autonomy to be their primary distinguishing feature. The Congregationalist church was one of the founding denominations of the United Church. This United Church is found in Quebec. [BM] {ED}