Presbyterian Church
Napa Valley, San Francisco North Bay, Ca. USA

 denominations which is most prevalent within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity. Hallmarks include Calvinist theology and the presbyterian form of church governance. It is the form of Calvinism which evolved primarily in Scotland before the Act of Union in 1707. Most of the few Presbyteries that were found in England can trace back to a Scottish connection. Modern Presbyterianism traces its institutional roots back to the Scottish Reformation. Local congregations are governed by Presbyteries made up of representatives of the local congregations, a conciliar approach which is found at other levels of decision-making (Kirk Session and General Assembly). Theoretically, there are no bishops in Presbyterianism; however some groups do have bishops, such as in Eastern Europe, and in ecumenical groups. The office of elder is another distinctive mark of Presbyterianism: these are specially commissioned non-clergy who take part in local pastoral care and decision-making at all levels.

In the twentieth century, Presbyterians have played an important role in the Ecumenical Movement, including the World Council of Churches. Many Presbyterian denominations have found ways of working together with other Reformed denominations and Christians of other traditions, especially in the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Some Presbyterian Churches have entered into unions with other churches, such as Congregationalists, Anglicans, and Methodists.

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