Christian Traditions

Christian Denominations Explained

Christianity is one family with many branches. Across the world, Christians gather in different traditions, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and the many streams within Protestantism, that grew from a shared faith through different histories, emphases, and forms of worship. They are not rival religions but rooms in one house. All confess the one God and hold to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as Lord. These pages explain each tradition fairly, so you can understand your neighbours, and perhaps find your own place to belong.

What they share with all Christians

Whatever their differences, every tradition on this page confesses the same Creed and gathers around the same Lord. This is the family they all belong to.

These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.

The traditions, explained

Each page below represents a tradition as its own faithful would recognise it, names honestly what is distinctive, and tells you what to expect if you visit. Where Christians genuinely disagree, we say so with respect.

• CatholicismThe largest tradition: the Pope, the sacraments, the Mass, and honour for Mary and the saints.
• Eastern OrthodoxyAncient, unbroken worship: the Divine Liturgy, icons, theosis, and councils of bishops.
• AnglicanismThe middle way: the Book of Common Prayer, bishops, and a broad, prayerful breadth.
• The Episcopal ChurchAmerican Anglicanism: the prayer book, the creeds, and a welcoming, reverent worship.
• Baptist churchesBeliever's baptism by immersion, the Bible's authority, and the independent local church.
• PentecostalismA living experience of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and joyful, expressive worship.
• MethodismThe Wesleyan heritage: grace for all, holiness of heart and life, and a love of hymns and service.
• PresbyterianismReformed faith governed by elders: God's sovereignty, grace, and Scripture-centred preaching.
• LutheranismThe Reformation's heart: justification by faith alone, grace, and rich liturgical worship.
• Non-denominational churchesIndependent, Bible-centred, Jesus-focused churches, often with contemporary worship.
• EvangelicalismA movement across many churches: the Bible, the cross, personal conversion, and mission.
• Reformed theologyThe Calvinist tradition: the sovereignty and grace of God, and the doctrines of grace.

Understanding the differences

These pages compare traditions gently, as family rather than rivals, and clear up common confusions.

• Difference between Catholic and ProtestantWhat the two great branches share, and where they genuinely differ.
• Difference between Catholic and OrthodoxTwo ancient churches, much in common, and why they divided.
• Are all Christians Catholic?A gentle explainer on the word catholic and the wider Christian family.