protestantse

Protestantse is a Dutch and Afrikaans adjective used to refer to Protestantism and to Protestant churches or people. In English, the corresponding term is Protestant. The word appears in the names of churches and in everyday speech to distinguish Protestant traditions from the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian groups.

The term arises from the broad historical movement known as the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when reformers in parts of Europe broke with the Roman Catholic Church and sought to restore or reform Christian practice and doctrine. Central themes include the primacy of Scripture, justification by faith, and a variety of practices and church governance that reduced papal authority in many contexts. Over time, Protestantism diversified into numerous denominations and theological traditions.

Protestantism encompasses a wide range of traditions, including Lutheran, Reformed (Calvinist), Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Pentecostal communities, among others. In Dutch-speaking contexts, the Reformed and Lutheran families have been especially influential. National churches often adopt the designation Protestantse Kerk. In the Netherlands, the Protestantse Kerk in Nederland (PKN) was formed in 2004 by the merger of the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk, Gereformeerde Kerk in Nederland, and Evangelisch-Lutherse Kerk in Nederland, reflecting a trend toward wider Protestant unity in some regions.

Geographically, Protestant churches are found worldwide and have played major roles in education, social welfare, and public life. Ecumenically, they participate in global bodies such as the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, and the broader Christian ecumenical movement, while maintaining diverse beliefs and practices within a shared heritage.