Meaning & use
congregationalism
Last updated
UK/ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəlɪzəm/
US/ˌkɑːŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəlɪzəm/
Meaning
noununcountable
A system of Protestant church governance in which each local congregation governs itself independently.
Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or plural: Congregationalism emphasizes local autonomy.
Patterns
- Congregationalism + verb
Congregationalism gives each church the power to make its own decisions.
The history of Congregationalism in America is complex.
Many churches in New England were founded on Congregationalism.
Common combinations
- a form of Congregationalism
- This church follows a form of Congregationalism.
- principles of Congregationalism
- The principles of Congregationalism include local autonomy.
- history of Congregationalism
- He studied the history of Congregationalism.
Synonyms and how they differ
- congregational polity
- A more technical term for the same governance system.
Word family
- congregational adjective
- Relating to a congregation or this system.
- congregationalist noun
- A supporter or member of Congregationalism.
Practice
What does 'Congregationalism' refer to?
Choose one answer.
Congregationalism is a system of church governance where each congregation is independent. The other options describe different religious concepts.
Make it your own
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