Baptistes

Baptists, or the Baptists, are a Christian denomination and network of churches characterized by believer’s baptism by immersion, local church autonomy, and congregational governance. They emphasize accountability to local members and the authority of Scripture, with a focus on individual faith and voluntary church membership.

Origins trace to English Separatists in the early 17th century. Leaders such as John Smyth and Thomas Helwys formed the first Baptist churches in Amsterdam and London around 1609–1612, rejecting infant baptism and advocating believer’s baptism. From these beginnings, Baptists spread across the English-speaking world, developing distinct ecclesiology that centers on congregational decision-making and voluntary church membership, with local churches often cooperating through associations and conventions.

Beliefs commonly center on believer’s baptism by immersion, followed by membership in a local church. Most Baptists view baptism as a rite of initiation rather than a means of grace, and observe two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Religious liberty and the separation of church and state are often emphasized, along with the priesthood of all believers and the independence of the local church in matters of doctrine and practice.

Globally, Baptists represent a diverse family, including Calvinist-leaning Particular Baptists and Arminian General Baptists, among others. Major global bodies include the Baptist World Alliance, which coordinates cooperation among Baptist churches worldwide. In the United States, the Baptist tradition includes large denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention and various other groups like the American Baptist Churches USA; in the United Kingdom and other regions, national Baptist unions bring together local congregations under broader associations.