congregationalism

[kong-gri-gey-shuh-nl-iz-uh m] /ˌkɒŋ grɪˈgeɪ ʃə nlˌɪz əm/
noun
1.
a form of Protestant church government in which each local religious society is independent and self-governing.
2.
(initial capital letter) the system of government and doctrine of Congregational churches.
Origin
1640-50; congregational + -ism
Related forms
congregationalist, noun, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for congregationalists

Congregationalism

/ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/
noun
1.
a system of Christian doctrines and ecclesiastical government in which each congregation is self-governing and maintains bonds of faith with other similar local congregations
Derived Forms
Congregationalist, adjective, noun
congregationalists in Culture

Congregationalists definition


A Protestant denomination that has roots in the Nonconformists of England. The Congregationalists are much like the Methodists in their teachings. They consider the individual congregation the basic unit of their church, and they practice baptism of infants. Most Congregationalists in the United States belong to the United Church of Christ.