The Protestant church originally was a part of the Roman Catholic church, but split during the Reformation.

There are four main types of Protestantism:

1.  Lutheran
2. Calvinist or "Reformed"
3. Anglican or Episcopalian
4. "independent" or "radical" or "free church"

All branches of this fourth type stress each person's direct approach to God, the church as an intimate fellowship of believers, the responsibility of the laity, and the church's independence of the state. Within this type are:

This type of Protestantism has become the predominant form in the United States and is rapidly becoming so throughout the world.¹

¹A Guide to the Religions of America, Leo Rosen ©1955.

For links to the largest congregations, see the "other/links" page.