Presbyterianismn.

A form of Protestant Church government in which the Church is administered locally by the minister with a group of elected elders of equal rank, and regionally and nationally by representative courts of ministers and elders, also entitled to equal votes in decisions. Also: beliefs, attitudes, or behaviour thought to be characteristic of Presbyterians.Presbyterianism was foreshadowed in the writings of Martin Bucer of Strasbourg, in the belief that such a structure best represented the pattern of the early Church, but his suggestions were first implemented in Geneva in 1541 under John Calvin. There are now many Presbyterian Churches (often called Reformed Churches) worldwide, notably in the Netherlands and Scotland and in countries with which they have historic links (including the United States and Northern Ireland). Those of English or Scottish origin typically subscribe (more or less strictly) to the Westminster Confession of 1646.