congregationalism

[ kong-gri-gey-shuh-nl-iz-uh m ]
/ ˌkɒŋ grɪˈgeɪ ʃə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

a form of Protestant church government in which each local religious society is independent and self-governing.
(initial capital letter) the system of government and doctrine of Congregational churches.

Origin of congregationalism

First recorded in 1640–50; congregational + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM congregationalism

con·gre·ga·tion·al·ist, noun, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for congregationalist

British Dictionary definitions for congregationalist

Congregationalism
/ (ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

a system of Christian doctrines and ecclesiastical government in which each congregation is self-governing and maintains bonds of faith with other similar local congregations

Derived forms of Congregationalism

Congregationalist, adjective, noun