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"'Congregationalism'" originated from the English [[Puritan]] movement of the 16th century. Some radical Puritans broke away from the [[Church of England]] to become Separatists and established independent congregations.

'''Congregationalism''' originated from the English [[Puritan]] movement of the 16th century. Some radical Puritans broke away from the [[Church of England]] to become Separatists and established independent congregations.

Separatists believed that church membership was reserved exclusively for convinced believers in Jesus Christ, and that God had given each congregation the authority to determine who might participate in its sacraments and enjoin in its rites and ministries. The [[Pilgrims]] who came to America in 1620 were Separatists.

Separatists believed that church membership was reserved exclusively for convinced believers in Jesus Christ, and that God had given each congregation the authority to determine who might participate in its sacraments and enjoin in its rites and ministries. The [[Pilgrims]] who came to America in 1620 were Separatists.