American Baptist Churches In The Usa

American Baptists have stressed the autonomy of local churches to determine the emphasis given to sacred actions. The radical Reformers, particularly Zwingli, have greatly influenced the development of American Baptist thought; hence Communion and baptism have tended to be simple services that have been secondary to preaching. Nevertheless, American Baptists are reexamining their practices in light of recent worship reforms in other churches. As do other English-speaking Baptists, the American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABCUSA), one of over thirty distinct Baptist denominations in North America, trace their history and heritage to the congregational Puritans and Separatists from the Church of England. ABCUSA, like other Baptist denominations, is a voluntary association of autonomous local churches organized for mutual aid and the support of common missions and ministries; thus, there are American Baptist churches, but no American Baptist Church. In discussing events, trends, and de…