Major Christian DenominationsAn Introduction

What is a denomination?The word denomination refers to an identifiable sub-group within a particular religion.

Denominations in Australia

Catholics make up 26.6% of the Australian populationMost follow the Roman rite but a minority follow the Eastern rites (still in line with the Holy See in Rome)

These include Maronites, Melkites and Chaldaeans

In line from the original Apostolic ChurchCurrent leader, Pope Benedict XVI is successor of St Peter whom Jesus placed in charge of the Church.1.196 billion Catholics around the world!

Denominations in Australia

Anglicans make up 20.7% of Australia’s populationThis Church was founded during the Reformation in England under the influence of King Henry VIII

1527-1603Henry threw away Papal rule and made himself the ruler of his own Church

It was the first Christian Church established in Australia (because of it’s links to England)

Denominations in Australia

Anglicans make up a wide variety of members and hold a broad spectrum (varying) of views on all sorts of issues.Every four years the hierarchy of clergy have a meeting, known as the General Synod.

This is presided over by the Anglican Archbishop; also known as the Archbishop of Canterbury

Acknowledge Baptism and Eucharist as the two great sacraments but others seen as ‘sacramental ministries of grace’

Denominations in Australia

Protestant ChurchesThis is an ‘umbrella’ term for the various denominations that trace their heritage to the Protestant Reformation.

Examples of Protestant Churches include:

Uniting ChurchBaptist ChurchPresbyterianPentecostal (Hillsong is a Pentecostal church)

Denominations in Australia

Uniting Church in AustraliaWas formed in 1977 after the majority of people from three different denominations came togetherCongregationalists, Methodists and Presbyterians were the denominationsThey make up 6.7% of Australia’s populationBaptism and Holy Communion celebrated as sacraments

Denominations in Australia

Presbyterians make up 3.4% of Australia’s populationTrace their heritage back to 16th century reformers Zwingli, Calvin and Knox (all part of the Reformation)Observe Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (generally, Holy Communion is celebrated four times a year)Their worship (mass) involves a variety of practices and can vary but has a set form for sacraments such as weddings or funerals.

Denominations in Australia

Baptists make up 1.6% of Australia’s population

Have a large presence in parts of the United States

Emerged from England in 1609Baptism and Communion are recognised as religious rituals but are not seen as sacramentsWorship tends to be informal with non-structure services in mass. Main emphasis on preachingEach Church is seen as being independent but coordinated by a Superintendent (in charge of a state)

Denominations in Australia

Lutheran Church makes up 1.3% of Australia’s populationEstablished in Germany under the influence of Martin Luther during the ReformationBaptism and the Lord’s Supper are two sacraments celebratedThe Book of Concord and the Bible form the basis of worshipOrganised into parishes, zones and districts

Denominations in Australia

Eastern Orthodox Churches make up 2.8% of the Australian population.

Examples include Coptic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Lebanese Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox etc.

Trace their heritage back to the Apostolic Church and continue to practice ancient liturgical and spiritual traditionsShare much in common with the Catholic Church but are separated by some differences in key beliefsPriests may marry or remain single, but those who do not marry are usually expected to become monks before their ordination

EcumenismEcumenism refers to relations between different Christian churches who are working towards unity and reunion. Pope John Paul II in 1995 wrote a encyclical (special document) titled ‘That All May Be One’ which emphasizes that ecumenism “is an organic part of the Church’s life and work…”

EcumenismThe Catechism of the Catholic Church is the official text of the teachings of the Catholic Church.Even within the Catechism it states clearly certain requirements crucial to ecumenism:

Renewal of our own ChurchDialogue with other churchesSharing in prayer togetherCooperation between Christians in service to societyKnowledge of other Christian churches