adminChristianity’s roughly 2.4 billion followers are divided into three main branches: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. All three affirm the Nicene Creed and the divinity of Jesus; they differ on authority, worship and some doctrine.
| Branch | Founding Era | Est. Followers | Key Distinguishing Belief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | 1st century AD (continuous) | ~1.3 billion | Papal authority; seven sacraments |
| Eastern Orthodox | Split from Rome, 1054 AD | ~220 million | Rejects papal authority; ancient liturgy |
| Protestant | Reformation, 1517 AD | ~900 million–1 billion | Scripture alone as final authority |
1. Roman Catholic Church (~1.3 billion)
The largest branch, led by the Pope in Rome. Holds seven sacraments, venerates Mary and the saints, and teaches that Church tradition and the Pope’s teaching authority stand alongside scripture.
2. Eastern Orthodox Church (~220 million)
A communion of self-governing churches (Greek, Russian, Serbian and others) that split from Rome in the Great Schism of 1054, chiefly over papal authority. Known for ancient liturgy, icons and a strong monastic tradition.
3. Protestantism (~900 million–1 billion)
Began with the Reformation of 1517, when Martin Luther and others broke from Rome. Emphasises scripture alone as the final authority and salvation by faith. It is not one church but thousands of denominations, including:
Major Protestant Denominations
- Lutheran – traces directly to Martin Luther’s original Reformation teachings.
- Reformed / Presbyterian – follows John Calvin’s theology, governed by elected elders rather than bishops.
- Anglican / Episcopal – originated with the Church of England’s split from Rome in the 1530s.
- Baptist – emphasizes adult baptism by full immersion and congregational independence.
- Methodist – grew out of John Wesley’s 18th-century revival movement within Anglicanism.
- Pentecostal – emphasizes spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and divine healing; one of the fastest-growing Christian movements globally.
- Non-denominational evangelical churches, which don’t affiliate with any of the above but generally share Protestant core beliefs
What they share
Belief in one God as Trinity, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Bible as scripture, baptism and communion, and the Nicene Creed.
FAQ
What is the difference between Catholic and Orthodox?
Mainly the authority of the Pope (Catholics accept it, Orthodox do not) and some liturgical and doctrinal differences dating from the 1054 schism.
Are Baptists Protestant?
Yes – Baptists are one of many Protestant denominations.
Which branch is the oldest?
Catholic and Orthodox both trace to the early Church; they were one body until 1054. Protestantism dates from the 16th century.
Related reading
- Catholics in public life include Mel Gibson (traditionalist) and Candace Owens (2024 convert).
- Hakeem Jeffries is Baptist; Pete Hegseth is Reformed.
- For how Christianity began, see who founded Christianity.
- See more facts about Christianity, or how it compares to other faiths in our world religions comparison.
Sources
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