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List of Christian denominations (or Denominations self-identified as Christian) ordered by historical and doctrinal relationships. (See also: Christianity; Christian denominations). Some denominations are large (e.g. Roman Catholic, Lutherans, Anglicans or Baptists) while others are just a few small churches, and in most cases the relative size is not evident in this list. Also, modern movements such as Fundamentalist Christianity, Pietism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism and the Holiness movement sometimes cross denominational lines, or in some cases create new denominations out of two or more continuing groups (as is the case for many United and uniting churches, for example). Such subtleties and complexities are not clearly depicted here. Additionally, some groups viewed by non-adherents as denominational actively resist being called a "denomination" and do not have any formal denominational structure, authority, or record-keeping beyond the local congregation; several groups within Restorationism fall into this category. This is not a complete list, but aims to provide a comprehensible overview of the diversity that exists among denominations of Christianity. Some links may point to non-existent articles. There are approximately 300 branches listed here. Between denominations, theologians and comparative religionists, there are considerable disagreements about which groups can be properly called Christian. These disagreements rise primarily from doctrinal differences between groups. For the purpose of simplicity, this list is intended to reflect the self-understanding of each denomination. Explanations about different opinions concerning their status as Christian denominations can be found at their respective articles. Catholic churches accepting the primacy of the Roman Pontiff The Latin Church, the most common form of Catholicism in Western Europe and North America, is sometimes said to be "the Roman Catholic Church." However, Catholics in full communion with Rome regard all of the following to be particular churches of the Catholic Church. See also the term Uniate churches. Churches claiming to be Catholic having broken communion with Rome See also Greater Eastern Orthodox Communion (In order of precedence. Indentation indicates autonomy rather than autocephaly.) Western-Rite Orthodox Churches Other Eastern Orthodox Churches from Ukrainian Orthodox Church: Assyrian Orthodoxy (Nestorianism) The Assyrian Orthodox Church was formed in 33 AD by St Thomas. The Church did not accept the Council of Ephesus (AD 431). It is incorrectly referred to as Nestorianism, but Assyrian Orthodox do not consider themselves Nestorians. Oriental Orthodoxy Oriental Orthodoxy was formed in the fifth century by Christians who did not accept the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451). It is historically related to Eutychian Monophysitism, and other denominations typically call these churches Monophysite, but Oriental Orthodox reject this description, calling themselves Miaphysite. Oriental Orthodox Communion Anglican Communion Independent Anglican and Continuing Anglican Movement Churches Protestants before Luther Note: These are late-Mediaeval groups that Protestants have identified as their spiritual forebears. In some respects, however, their beliefs were distinct from 16th-century Protestantism. The historical influence of these groups on the Reformation (if any) is a point of contention. Most began out of a following for the priest named Jan Hus. Lutheranism Presbyterian and Reformed Churches Note: These are denominations that follow Calvinist theology. Presbyterianism Reformed / Congregationalist Churches Anabaptists Methodism|Methodists Pietism|Pietists and Holiness Churches Baptists Note: All Baptist associations are congregationalist affiliations for the purpose of cooperation, in which each local church is governmentally independent. Spiritual Baptists Note: The Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese of New York, Inc has congregationalist affiliations for the purpose of cooperation, in which each local church is governmentally independent. Brethren Denominations :Category:Irvingites|Apostolic Churches - Irvingites Pentecostalism Oneness Pentecostalism Note: Genealogically, Oneness Pentecostalism can be grouped with other Pentecostals, but doctrinally, it can be listed as a Nontrinitarian denomination. Charismatics Neo-Charismatic Churches United and uniting churches Other Protestant Denominations Society of Friends (Quakers) Note: Although, historically speaking, the Society of Friends can be listed as a Protestant demonination, this is sometimes contested and many Quakers today consider their faith to be a distinct, non-Protestant form of Christianity. Church of Christ, Scientist Messianic Judaism Restorationism Note: What these denominations have in common is the claim that they restore the practice and/or faith of primitive Christianity in the modern era. Otherwise their beliefs are quite distinct. Some sects consider themselves Protestant, while some of the demoninations listed under Nontrinitarianism can also be listed as Restorationist. In the study of the history of Christianity, Restorationist churches traditionally are classed as Protestant; however, their claims of restoring primitive Christianity often mean that they date their establishment to the time of Jesus and thus resist being classified in this manner. Additionally, some of the groups — particularly within the Stone-Campbell movement — reject the idea of a denominational authority or structure and do not consider themselves to be denominations. Latter-day Saints Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement Southcottites Sabbath-Keeping Churches, Adventist Sabbath-Keeping Churches, Non-Adventist Sunday Adventists Sacred Name Groups Other Adventists Jehovahs Witnesses Bible Student Groups Anglo-Israelism Nontrinitarian Christianity Unitarianism and Universalism Manichaeism (extinct as a distinct and modern group) Episcopal Congregational New Thought Christian mystery movements Ethnic or syncretic religions incorporating elements of Christianity Christianism See also | |||||||
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