CONGREGATIONALISTS WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO I Who are Congregationalists? They are a Protestant Christian denomination whose churches are chiefly in the United States and Great Britain, but many are in Australia, Canada, and foreign missionary fields. Why are they called Congregationalists? They are so called because the supreme authority is not in the officers, or in any body outside of itself, but in the people (or congregation) composing a local church.1 What is the Congregational idea of a church? It is that a company of Christians covenanting together for religious worship and work is a complete and self-governing church, which is (1) responsible only to Christ, and entirely independent; but it also (2) recognizes and honors the principle of fellowship, and exercises its independence 1 When the term "Congregational" came into general use is uncertain; Rev. John Cotton entitled a treatise, issued in 1648, Way of the Congregational churches cleared ; since no other churches existed for nearly a century in New England, Congregational churches were frequently described as The New England Churches." 66 66 in a spirit of fraternal regard for the welfare, approval, advice, and common interests of the whole brotherhood of churches. It is therefore different from the Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal, or Roman Catholic churches, in which each local congregation is part of one great organization, and subject to some authority outside of itself. Are churches of any other denomination congregational in form? Yes, the Baptist, the Plymouth Brethren, the Christian, the Disciples of Christ, the Unitarians, and some others in all nearly thirty-eight per cent of the congregations in the United States. There are about ten times as many religious organizations congregationally governed as there are Congregational churches.1 How are they different from Congregational churches? 2 They differ frequently in some special doctrine which is emphasized in their name, as the Baptists and Unitarians. Why is it inaccurate to speak of the whole denomination as the Congregational Church of the United States? It is inaccurate because each local Congregational church is complete in itself, and to speak 1 Any self-governing and independent church is in fact a Congregational church; it becomes a part of the Congregational denomination when it comes into fellowship with other Congregational churches. 2 Henry Ward Beecher once called the Baptists "Wet Congregationalists" and the Congregationalists "Dry Baptists." . as if it were not, or as if the whole company of local churches made one church, is to ignore or deny one of its fundamental principles. Many people, however, use the word "church" to describe a denomination. What binds the Congregational churches into a denomination? They are bound together by fellowship and mutual interests,' and while exercising no authority over each other, they exchange and defer to fraternal counsel, work together for common ends, unite in district conferences and associations, State bodies, and a National Council. What are the theological views of Congregationalists? There is no distinctive Congregational theology, and excepting their views about the nature and government of a church, they have not materially differed from other bodies of evangelical Christians. Until recent years their doctrines have been in general Calvinistic, and in harmony with the Westminster Assembly and the Church of England. Each Congregational church, however, can determine its own creed, and such churches, while surpassed by none in their exaltation of Christ and reverence for the Bible, have never been bound by an authoritative system of theology, but have constantly expected" more light," 2 and changed their 1 This tie has sometimes been derisively called "a rope of sand." 2 "I am confident the Lord hath more light yet to break forth from his Holy Word." - John Robinson's Farewell Address. t theological beliefs as they saw new aspects of truth. What is the attitude of Congregational churches toward other churches? They recognize the churchly character of organizations otherwise governed, and so far as possible, hold fellowship with all Christians. What are some marked characteristics of Congregational churches? They are a democratic spirit; simplicity in worship; high standards of membership; freedom of thought; a progressive theology; strong fellowship with a minimum of sectarianism; zeal for education; great missionary activity. II Where and when did Congregational churches originate? They originated in England late in the sixteenth century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, chiefly in London and the eastern counties, where the Reformation had been most welcomed and the University of Cambridge was most influential.1 Who were the first Congregationalists? They were a branch of the Puritans,2 all of whom desired greater simplicity and freedom in 1 See The Beginnings of New England, pp. 62–66. The Puritans desired "not liberty to withdraw from that National Church and to organize what would now be called a dis |