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Wot it means 2 b URC. CH URC. A Report by Junior Church SENIORS. -a history of the Reform Movement. CHRISTIANITY. …began with Jesus (before that Jewish) spread to Rome by St Paul Took 313yrs before… Constantine the Great became the 1 st Christian emperor. Catholic Church.
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Wot it means 2 b URC CH URC A Report by Junior Church SENIORS -a history of the Reform Movement
CHRISTIANITY • …began with Jesus (before that Jewish) • spread to Rome by St Paul • Took 313yrs before… • Constantine the Great • became the 1st Christian emperor
Catholic Church …became corrupt in the middle ages • ‘Sale’ of indulgences (giving money to ask god’s forgiveness) • Bishops lived like princes • Some clergymen were ignorant • NEEDED TO RE-FOCUS
REFORMATION • Religious movement of 1500’s • began by Martin Luther • Led to Protestantism • Accompanied by cultural, scientific and social advances • Initially lasted 40 yrs • but continues today
Counter Reformation • Opposition to reform • Lead by the Society of Jesus • called the Jesuits • also Barnabites etc
Martin Luther • German monk • Wrote 95 theses • Nailed to church door • Criticised church • Sale of indulgences • Held that bible was final word of God
John Calvin • Frenchman • 1st protestant pastor in Geneva • He published many letters and books on reformation • Known for strictness to God’s word
Hugh Latimer • English Yeoman's son • He was preacher to King Henry VIII • Pope wouldn’t allow divorce • so King Henry became head of Church of England • Latimer led the English reformation to establish Protestantism.
Mary & Elizabeth I • Queen Mary took England back to Catholicism • This caused many deaths • Queen Elizabeth re-introduced Anglicanism which continues today
William Tyndale • English Minister • Translated the bible into ENGLISH • Previously only accessible to the most learned • Now anybody could read it
Patrick Hamilton George Wishart John Knox • Famous Scottish Reformers • George Wishart martyred • …put to death for teaching reformed ways • John Knox changed from Catholic Priest to Protestant • …founded of Scottish Presbyterianism
Different Denominations We were left with… • Anglicans • Methodists • Congregationalists • Presbyterians • Baptists • Catholics • host of others
The United Reformed Church in England & Wales …is a union of… • Congregational & Presbyterian Churches (1972 ) • Churches of Christ (1981) • Scottish Congregationalists (2000)
URC Stands in the Reformed tradition • One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit • Supreme authority is the bible • Is an inclusive church (‘ministry of all believers’) • Is committed to church unity (ecumenicalism)
URC composed of… • 1 700 local congregations • 115 000 adults • 23 000 worshiping children and young people • 850 serving ministers, women and men. • Over 400 local churches are united with other denominations • 75 Districts • 13 Synods • 1 General Assembly
Important feature • Each church • governed by church meeting • Run day to day by elders • Minister is an elder • No bishops • District councils advise • Synod organise regionally • Led by Synod Moderator • General Assembly appoints committees and • Assembly Moderator
World Alliance of REFORMED CHURCHES There are 95 member churches around world
World Alliance of REFORMED CHURCHES Including… • Waldensian Fellowship (special connection with NW Synod) • Singapore Bible Presbyterian (special connection with CHURC ~Mae Gone!!)