presbyterian

Presbyterianism is a part of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism which traces its origins to the British Isles. Presbyterian churches derive their name from the presbyterian form of church government, which is government by representative assemblies of elders. Many Reformed churches are organized this way, but the word "Presbyterian," when capitalized, is often applied uniquely to the churches that trace their roots to the Scottish and English churches that bore that name and English political groups that formed during the English Civil War. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ. Presbyterian church government was ensured in Scotland by the Acts of Union in 1707 which created the kingdom of Great Britain. In fact, most Presbyterians found in England can trace a Scottish connection, and the Presbyterian denomination was also taken to North America mostly by Scots and Scots-Irish immigrants. The Presbyterian denominations in Scotland hold to the theology of John Calvin and his immediate successors, although there are a range of theological views within contemporary Presbyterianism. Local congregations of churches which use presbyterian polity are governed by sessions made up of representatives of the congregation (elders); a conciliar approach which is found at other levels of decision-making (presbytery, synod and general assembly).

Presbyterianismus (von griechisch πρεσβύτερος presbyteros, der Ältere) ist eine Form der Kirchenverfassung, bei der die Kirche auf mehreren Ebenen durch Gremien von Ältesten und Pastoren geleitet wird. Die presbyterianische Kirchenverfassung ist besonders bei reformierten Kirchen gebräuchlich. Presbyterianismus steht zwischen dem hierarchischen Episkopalismus (Leitung durch Bischöfe) und dem Kongregationalismus, bei dem die Gemeinden völlig selbständig sind.

Presbyterianisme is een vorm van calvinisme die ontstaan is in Schotland en Engeland gedurende de Schotse Reformatie, die vooral door John Knox geleid werd. De Presbyteriaanse Kerk komt dan ook vooral in Schotland en Engelssprekende gebieden voor. In Nederland werden in de jaren '50 van de 20e eeuw enkele Presbyteriaal Hervormde Gemeenten gesticht onder leiding van dominee Gerrit Taverne sr..

Le presbytérianisme est une forme du protestantisme liée à l'Écosse.