presbyterian

Presbyterianism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that emerged in the 16th century Reformation. It is rooted in the Reformed tradition and emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrines of grace as articulated by theologians such as John Knox in Scotland and John Calvin in Switzerland. The name derives from the Greek presbyteros, meaning elder, reflecting its distinctive system of church government by elected elders rather than bishops.

Presbyterian churches are governed by a system of representative elder ministry. Local congregations are governed by ruling elders and ministers, and multiple churches are organized into regional presbyteries, with higher courts such as synods and a general assembly. Worship centers on expositional preaching, communal prayer, and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; infant baptism is common in most Presbyterian bodies, though practice varies on other issues.

The theological core draws on Reformed confessions, especially the authority of Scripture and the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. Many Presbyterian churches subscribe to the Westminster Standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms) as doctrinal summaries, though other confessions are used in different countries. While sharing a common heritage, Presbyterian churches today vary in governance, worship style, and social positions.

Geographic distribution and examples: Presbyterianism has been influential in Scotland through the Church of Scotland, in the United States through the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other denominations, and elsewhere in Canada, South Korea, Africa, and beyond. As a family of churches, Presbyterians emphasize education, mission, ecumenical engagement, and social ethics alongside worship and sacramental life.