Congregationalism

A way of organizing Christian churches. It is especially associated with a group of churches that has played a major role in the history of religion in the United States. At its most general, Congregationalism insists that local Christian congregations should be independent and govern themselves. This does not mean that these congregations should not join together for joint activity. Indeed, most Congregationalist churches have been eager to work with others who hold similar views. But it does mean that congregations call their own ministers and determine for themselves how they will WORSHIP. This "congregational polity" is quite different from the "episcopal polity" found in, for example, the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox churches, and the Church of England. In an episcopal arrangement, the church is governed by a bishop. The bishop appoints priests and, in conjunction with other bishops, determines what beliefs and practices the church requires. As a name for a group of churches, Congregationalism is mostly a movement in the Englishspeaking world. It arose in England in the late 16th century as an alternative to the Church of England (see ANGLICANISM). Congregationalism has continued in England up to the present day. But the movement thrived in North America, especially in New England. In 1609 a group of Congregationalists fl ed to Holland to escape persecution in England. In 1620 some of them traveled to the shores of North America. Their boat was the Mayfl ower, they landed at Plymouth, they founded Plymouth colony, and they entered American legend as the Pilgrims. These Congregationalists joined with the Puritans (see PURITANISM) who settled nine years later in the area of Boston. Congregationalism became the established or offi cial religion of the colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. In the 1730s a Congregationalist minister, Jonathan Edwards, started the fi rst "Great Awakening." This was a time of increased religious emotion. Around 1800 the Congregationalists in New England experienced a split. Many Congregational churches abandoned the teaching that GOD was a TRINITY—Father (or Creator), Son, and Holy Spirit—and became UNITARIAN. That is, they affi rmed that God was a unity and thus denied that JESUS was divine. Later in the 19th century, Congregationalists moved to positions then considered liberal. In 1931 they merged with another group to form the Congregational Christian Church. In 1961 they merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches to form the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. In the 20th century Congregationalism modifi ed some of its earlier emphases. The independence of local churches is no longer a burning issue, and most congregations accept some direction from larger associations. For example, the general church usually has a role in certifying persons as fi t to be ministers. In addition, Congregationalists have begun to use set prayers and worship services, which they had traditionally avoided. Worship services center on the sermon (see PREACHING). Congregationalists also recognize two sacraments: BAPTISM and the EUCHARIST. They generally baptize infants. They have also tended to be among the most liberal of the Protestant denominations. For example, in 1917 Congregationalists in England ordained their fi rst woman minister. Congregationalism is by no means the largest Protestant denomination in the United States or the world. But its cultural contributions have been large. In England the poet John Milton and the hymn-writer Isaac Watts were committed Congregationalists. In the United States, Congregationalists have founded a number of colleges and universities, beginning with Harvard (1636) and Yale (1701).