I
Building for Christian worship.
The earliest Western churches were based on the plan of the Roman basilica . In Constantinople, Anatolia, and Eastern Europe, the Orthodox church adopted the symmetrical Greek-cross plan, which had four wings of equal size projecting from a central, square, domed area (see Byzantine architecture ). The late 11th century saw increased complexity in hall church did not establish itself until the 14th century. The basilica and hall church dominated Western church design until the mid-20th century. Modernization of rituals and an innovative spirit have resulted in architectural experimentation that sometimes departs completely from traditional forms.
II
In Christian doctrine, the religious community as a whole, or an organized body of believers adhering to one sect's teachings.
The word church translates the Greek ekklesia , used in the New Testament for the body of faithful and the local congregation. Christians established congregations modeled on the synagogue and a system of governance centred on the bishop . The Nicene Creed characterized the church as one (unified), holy (created by the Holy Spirit ), catholic (universal), and apostolic (historically continuous with the Apostle s). The schism of Eastern and Western churches (1054) and the Reformation (16th century) ended institutional unity and universality. St. Augustine stated that the real church is known only to God, and Martin Luther held that the true church had members in many Christian bodies and was independent of any organization.
III
[c mediumvioletred] (as used in expressions)
African Methodist Episcopal Church AME Church
Christ Church of
Church of Christ Scientist
church and state
church mode
Church Alonzo
Church Frederic Edwin
Confessing Church
Coptic Orthodox Church
Orthodox Catholic Church
Eastern rite church
Eastern Catholic church
England Church of
Episcopal Church Protestant
Ethiopian Orthodox church
Greek Orthodox Church
hall church
Legion of Mary Church
Maronite Church
Moravian Church
Native American Church
New Church
Old Catholic church
Old Church Slavonic language
Old Church Slavic language
Reformed church
Russian Orthodox Church
Scientology Church of
stave church
Zionist church
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Unification Church
{{link=World Council of Churches">World Council of Churches