The Definitive Denominational Index is a comprehensive guide to the official denominational webpages of the various Christian churches in the United States. Each denomination is grouped together with other like-minded denominations according to tradition. An alphabetical listing will be amended to the page shortly.


Orthodox Tradition
Maintaining close ties to the early Christian churches of the East, these loosely affiliated religious bodies share a similar liturgy and a strong emphasis on tradition. They claim direct descent from Christ and the apostles, and express their faith through the Nicene Creed and the seven ecumenical councils of the Church. In the United States they are divided mostly along ethnic lines, and include the Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches. Also included in this group are the few Celtic and Monophysite denominations.

Catholic Tradition
Tracing its ancestry to the traditions of the early and medieval Church in the West, the Roman Catholic Church is the largest branch of the Christian faith in the world. It has traditionally stressed ecclesiastical authority, the seven sacraments, and the supremacy of the Pope, although in the United States more liberal ideas and practices predominate. American Catholicism has been widely influential in American culture and education, and is the primary faith of many American immigrants from southern European and South and Cenrtal America. Some churches directly descended from this tradition are self-governing, including the Old Catholic churches.

Protestant Tradition

The many different Protestant churches find their roots in the Protestant Reformation, a dissenting movement from the Roman Catholic Church begun in northern and central Europe in the early 16th Century. Emphasis is placed on the Bible and freedom of conscience, with widely differing interpretations of faith and practice. Together they comprise a majority of American Christians.

First Generation Protestant Churches

The Reformation of the 16th century eventually divided into four different branches. They represent the most basic reform movements of Protestantism, with many churches still using liturgical forms of worship similar to that of the Roman Catholic Church. Emphasis is on the essential tenants of the Reformation, including justification by faith and the sovereignty of God.

Anglican Tradition
The Anglican branch of the Reformation did not so much protest against Roman Catholic theology as it did the authority of the Pope. Faith is determined by Scripture, Tradition, and Reason, with an emphasis on choosing a moderate or "middle way" between Catholic and Protestant ideas. American churches of this tradition trace their ecclesiastical lineage to the Church of England, including the Episcopal Church and other traditional Anglican bodies in the United States.

Lutheran Tradition
The first Christians to dissent from Rome in the 16th Century, the churches of the Lutheran tradition continue to highlight the ideas of their founder, Martin Luther, with expanded insights and an inclusive faith. Lutheran bodies in the United States, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other more conservative Lutheran denominations, trace their origin to the state churches of Germany and Scandanavia. Similar in worship to both Anglicans and Roman Catholics, they maintain a strong ecumenical outlook.

Reformed Tradition
Churches of this tradition originated with the teachings of John Calvin and the early Reformers in France and Switzerland. Focus is on the sovereignty of God, the covenant and election of God's people, and simplicity of worship. There is a strong emphasis on learning and teaching. American denominations today include both Presbyterian and Reformed bodies. The Puritans were historically rooted in this tradition; their descendents include modern-day Christian Unitarians and Universalists, as well as the United Church of Christ.

Anabaptist Tradition
The Radical branch of the Protestant Reformation, these denominations typically stress removal from the world, simple dress and worship, adult baptism, and pacifism. They are congregational in governance, with some communitarian aspects. Churches of this tradition include the Brethren, the Mennonites, and Quakers.

Second Generation Protestant Churches

From the first four branches of the Reformation came additional movements, drawing upon the ideas of the first generation of Protestant churches, but reinterpreting or laying special emphasis on particular concepts. Begun in the 17th and 18th centuries, they find their origin in no one specific branch of the Reformation, and therefore represent new traditions in themselves. They are connected in the United States by the frontier experience and the Second Great Awakening.

Baptist Tradition
Churches of this tradition differ widely in terms of theology, but share a common belief in adult baptism, congregational structure, and separation of Church and State. Similar to the Anabaptists, but with origins in early 17th century England, they have been one of the most prolific branches of American Christianity, with heavy concentrations in the American South. Most cooperate widely with other conservative Protestant (or evangelical) groups. Denominations include the Southern Baptist Convention and American Baptist Churches in the U.S.

Weslyan Tradition
Grounded in the teachings of John and Charles Wesley, the churches of this tradition emerged at the end of the 18th Century in England. It is today the largest and perhaps most influential Protestant tradition in the United States, with widely varying forms and beliefs. Distinctly Weslyan teachings focused on sanctification and holiness, later interpreted by some within the framework of a charismatic experience. Churches of this tradition include Methodist, Holiness, Pentecostal, and Charismatic groups. Among these include the many Pentecostal Churches of God, the Assemblies of God, Christian and Missionary Aliance and Calvary Chapel.

Third Generation Protestant Churches

These specifically American Christian movements grew out of first and -- more importantly -- second generation Protestant churches. They have inhereted specifically Baptist and Methodist ideas, with a focus on congregational structure. Stress is laid on one or two specific concepts that are not traditionally emphasized in other Protestant traditions. They are the most radical and unorthodox of the Protestant churches.

Adventist Tradition
Churches of this tradition find their roots in the Millerite movement of the mid-19th century. With a strong focus on the Second Coming (an event usually interpreted as having a spiritual fulfillment), many of these churches teach the mortality of the soul and the keeping of the Jewish Sabbath. They include Seventh Day Adventists, Advent Christians, the Adventist Churches of God, and Jehovah's Witnesses.

Restoration Tradition
Perhaps the most eclectic group of denominations, the churches of this tradition each share a common emphasis on restoring the simplicity and authority of the early Church. Many trace their lineage directly to the Stone-Campbell movement of the 19th Century, including the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ. Within this tradition should also be included the Mormons.