congregationalism
/ˌkɑŋɡrəˈɡeɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/
noun
- A system of church organization in which each local church is self-governing and independent.
- Congregationalism gives each church the freedom to make its own decisions.
- The Pilgrims brought congregationalism to America.
- Many Protestant denominations practice a form of congregationalism.
- The beliefs and practices of churches that follow this system.
- He studied the history of congregationalism in New England.
- The principles of congregationalism include democracy and local control.
- Congregationalism emphasizes the authority of the local church community.