The Presbyter in Presbyterianism

Extract

The words Presbyterian and Presbyterianism are so familiar as applied to our Scottish ecclesiastical system as to seem almost to belong to its essence or at least to indicate its essence. Nevertheless there is a certain diversity of view as to how Presbyterianism is to be defined. It is perhaps a not entirely insignificant fact that the term is familiar only in the English-speaking branches of the Reformed Church family. Among the sister Reformed Churches of the Continent it is not in common use. Continental theologians addressing ecumenical assemblies, whenever they use the word Presbyterian, seem instinctively to interpret it by the addition of the explanatory word “synodal”, evidently regarded as synonymous. The Presbyterian Alliance bridges this gulf in nomenclature by means of a rather cumbrous official title. It is officially The Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian form of Church Government. It would appear that our familiar denominational designation is due to some accident of Scottish or British history.