Presbyterians

Characteristics

Presbyterians distinguish themselves from other denominations by doctrine, institutional organisation (or "church order") and worship, often using a "Book of Order" to regulate common practice and order. The origins of the Presbyterian churches are in Reformed Christianity, also called Calvinism. Many branches of Presbyterianism are remnants of previous splits from larger groups. Some of the splits have been due to doctrinal controversy, while some have been caused by disagreement concerning the degree to which those ordained to church office should be required to agree with the Westminster Confession of Faith, which historically serves as an important confessional document—second only to the Bible, yet directing particularities in the standardisation and translation of the Bible—in Presbyterian churches.