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Major Christian Denominations

Major Christian Denominations. An 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 population

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Major Christian Denominations

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  1. Major Christian Denominations An Introduction

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

  3. Denominations in Australia • Catholics make up 26.6% of the Australian population • Most 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 Church • Current leader, Pope Benedict XVI is successor of St Peter whom Jesus placed in charge of the Church. • 1.196 billion Catholics around the world!

  4. Denominations in Australia • Anglicansmake up 20.7% of Australia’s population • This Church was founded during the Reformation in England under the influence of King Henry VIII • 1527-1603 • Henry 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)

  5. 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’

  6. Denominations in Australia • Protestant Churches • This is an ‘umbrella’ term for the various denominations that trace their heritage to the Protestant Reformation. • Examples of Protestant Churches include: • Uniting Church • Baptist Church • Presbyterian • Pentecostal (Hillsong is a Pentecostal church)

  7. Denominations in Australia • Uniting Church in Australia • Was formed in 1977 after the majority of people from three different denominations came together • Congregationalists, Methodists and Presbyterians were the denominations • They make up 6.7% of Australia’s population • Baptism and Holy Communion celebrated as sacraments

  8. Denominations in Australia • Presbyterians make up 3.4% of Australia’s population • Trace 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.

  9. 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 1609 • Baptism and Communion are recognised as religious rituals but are not seen as sacraments • Worship tends to be informal with non-structure services in mass. Main emphasis on preaching • Each Church is seen as being independent but coordinated by a Superintendent (in charge of a state)

  10. Denominations in Australia • Lutheran Church makes up 1.3% of Australia’s population • Established in Germany under the influence of Martin Luther during the Reformation • Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two sacraments celebrated • The Book of Concord and the Bible form the basis of worship • Organised into parishes, zones and districts

  11. 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 traditions • Share much in common with the Catholic Church but are separated by some differences in key beliefs • Priests may marry or remain single, but those who do not marry are usually expected to become monks before their ordination

  12. Ecumenism • Ecumenism 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…”

  13. Ecumenism • The 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 Church • Dialogue with other churches • Sharing in prayer together • Cooperation between Christians in service to society • Knowledge of other Christian churches

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