christian denominations

  • 1050

    Eastern Orthodox Church

    Origin: Split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 (Great Schism)
    • Leadership: No single Pope led by Patriarchs
    • Worship: Uses icons, incense, chanting
    • Language: Services often in local languages (Greek, Russian, etc.)
    • Beliefs: Strong focus on tradition + sacraments
    • Eucharist: Bread + wine believed to become the body and blood of Christ
    • Followers: Around 220–260 million worldwide
  • 1500

    Lutheran Church

    • Origin: Founded by Martin Luther in the 1500s (Reformation)
    • Beliefs: Faith alone (not works) for salvation
    • Authority: Bible is the main source, not church tradition
    • Worship: Similar structure to Catholic Mass but simplified
    • Eucharist: Christ is truly present in bread and wine
    • Leadership: No Pope, led by pastors/bishops
    • Followers: Around 65–70 million worldwide
  • 1500

    Presbyterian

    Origin: 1500s, part of the Reformation, linked to John Calvin (Scotland)
    • Beliefs: Strong focus on God’s sovereignty + Bible authority
    • Worship: Simple, centred on preaching + prayer
    • Sacraments: Baptism + Communion (symbolic, not literal)
    • Leadership: Governed by elders (presbyters), not bishops
    • Focus: Education, morality, community service
    • Followers: Around 75 million worldwide
  • 1534

    Church of England/Anglican

    • Origin: Founded in 1534 by King Henry VIII (split from Catholic Church)
    • Leadership: Led by the Archbishop of Canterbury (no Pope)
    • Beliefs: Mix of Catholic tradition + Protestant ideas
    • Worship: Uses the Book of Common Prayer
    • Eucharist: Seen as spiritually real (not literal body/blood)
    • Practices: Focus on scripture, tradition, and reason
    • Followers: About 85 million worldwide
  • Baptist

    • Origin: Early 1600s in England
    • Beliefs: Bible only as authority
    • Salvation: Through personal faith in Jesus
    • Baptism: Believers only, by full immersion
    • Worship: Simple, no set liturgy
    • Leadership: Independent congregations (no central leader)
    • Followers: About 100 million worldwide
  • Methodist

    • Origin: 1700s, started by John Wesley in England
    • Beliefs: Faith + good works show true Christian life
    • Worship: Emphasis on hymns, preaching, and prayer
    • Sacraments: Celebrate baptism + communion (symbolic, not literal)
    • Leadership: Led by ministers and conferences (no Pope)
    • Focus: Strong on social justice and community service
    • Followers: Around 60–80 million worldwide
  • Uniting Church

    • Origin: Formed in 1977 in Australia
    • Groups: Union of Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches
    • Beliefs: Bible-based, but open to new understandings
    • Worship: Mix of traditions, often modern and flexible
    • Sacraments: Baptism + Communion (symbolic, inclusive)
    • Leadership: Run by councils (not bishops/pope)
    • Followers: About 160,000 members in Australia today
  • Hillsong Church

    • Origin: Founded in 1983 in Sydney, Australia
    • Type: Pentecostal / Evangelical megachurch
    • Beliefs: Bible-centred, salvation through Jesus, Holy Spirit gifts
    • Worship: Known for modern music, bands, concerts-style services
    • Sacraments: Practice baptism (immersion) + communion
    • Leadership: Led by pastors (no bishops/pope)
    • Followers: Tens of thousands in Australia, about 150,000+ globally