Church

Church has multiple related meanings in Christianity. It can refer to a building used for Christian worship, a local congregation or parish, an entire denomination or communion, or the universal body of believers described as the Church. In English, the term is often distinguished by context: capitalized “Church” may denote the institution or the universal body, while “church” (lowercase) normally refers to the local community or building. The word derives from Late Latin ecclesia, from Greek ekklesia, meaning “assembly” or “gathering”.

In most traditions, a church is a community led by clergy such as priests, pastors, and bishops, organized into parishes, dioceses, and other jurisdictions. A local church typically meets in a building containing spaces such as a nave and chancel, with an altar and often a steeple or tower. Worship, rites, and sacraments—especially baptism and the Eucharist (Communion)—are central to many churches, though practices vary widely between denominations.

Historically, Christianity began with house churches and later developed into a structured church hierarchy in the Roman Empire. The medieval period saw the Catholic Church as a dominant institutional body in Western Europe, while the Eastern Orthodox Church evolved in the East. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century produced numerous Protestant denominations and shaped contemporary church life. In many countries, churches have played important social roles, including education, charity, and community services, and ecumenical movements seek greater cooperation among different Christian traditions.

Common types and terms include the cathedral (the see of a bishop), the basilica (a title of architectural and ceremonial status), and the parish church (serving a local community). Major traditions include the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and various Protestant churches.