Reformed and Congregational Churches in Latin America

Definition

Calvinistic denominations established in continental Europe in the sixteenth century came to be known as Reformed churches. Congregational churches are those whose origins are found with the English separatists, who advocated self-government in their congregations. This trend appeared in the sixteenth century within some sectors of Puritanism that contrasted with both Anglican Episcopalism and the representative government of the Presbyterians (Benedetto and McKim 2010). According to those who adopted this understanding, each church has total liberty to make its own decisions. Both Reformed churches and Congregational churches are part of the Reformed tradition to which Presbyterian and Waldensian Churches also belong.

Introduction

Protestantism has been multifaceted since its beginnings in the sixteenth century. Its principal expressions are the Lutheran Church, the Reformed Church, the Anglican Church, and the groups that make up the so-called radical reformers...