Protestants

Protestants are followers of Protestantism, a branch of Christianity that originated in the 16th-century Reformation, a movement seeking to reform the Roman Catholic Church and ultimately leading to the establishment of independent churches. The term Protestant originally referred to those who protested against Church practices and doctrines at that time.

Key figures include Martin Luther in Germany (95 Theses, 1517), John Calvin in Geneva, and Huldrych Zwingli in Zurich. The central ideas include justification by faith alone (sola fide), the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), and the priesthood of all believers. Many Protestants practice two sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—viewing others as ordinances.

Protestantism encompasses numerous denominations and movements, notably Lutheran, Reformed/Calvinist, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal traditions, among others. Governance ranges from hierarchical to congregational. Worship practices and liturgy vary widely, but biblical preaching and congregational singing are common.

Geographically, Protestantism spread from Northern Europe to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It has interacted with political and social life, influencing education, literacy, and religious liberty, while also contributing to religious conflicts in early modern Europe.

Ecumenically, Protestants are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church or Eastern Orthodox Church, though dialogue and cooperation occur on some issues. Globally, Protestant churches form a major portion of the Christian population.