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The Eastern Orthodox Church doesn’t have a single founder but officially split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054. This happened because of disagreements about church authority (like the Pope’s role), different beliefs about the Holy Spirit, and cultural and political differences between Eastern and Western Christianity.
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Founded by Martin Luther when he challenged the Roman Catholic Church’s practices, especially the selling of indulgences (forgiveness for sins). Luther believed that people are saved by faith alone and that the Bible is the only authority, which caused him to break away and start the Lutheran Church.
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King Henry VIII founded this church after breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church because the Pope refused to grant him a divorce from his wife. Henry wanted to be the head of the church in England, leading to the creation of a new national church with different leadership but many similar beliefs.
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Led by John Knox in Scotland, the Presbyterian Church broke from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. They wanted a church governed by elected elders (presbyters) instead of bishops, and their beliefs were influenced by the teachings of John Calvin, focusing on reformed theology.
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John Smyth started the Baptist movement after separating from the Church of England. Baptists believed that only adults who choose to follow Jesus should be baptized (not infants), and they strongly supported religious freedom and the independence of local churches.
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John Wesley began the Methodist movement within the Church of England, focusing on a personal experience of faith, holiness, and living a disciplined Christian life. Over time, the movement became separate because it emphasized a more emotional and methodical approach to worship and Christian living.
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This church wasn’t a split but a union of three Protestant churches: the Methodist Church, the Congregational Union, and the Presbyterian Church. They joined together to work more closely and share resources, aiming for unity among Australian Christians.
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Founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston in Australia, Hillsong started as part of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God but grew into its own church. It focuses on contemporary worship music, modern outreach, and a charismatic style of Christianity, attracting a global following.