Continental Reformed Christianity or Continental Reformed Protestantism is a part of Reformed Christianity within Protestantism that traces its origin to continental Europe. Prominent subgroups are the Dutch Reformed, Swiss Reformed, French Huguenot, Hungarian Reformed, and German Reformed churches. The historic doctrine of the Continental Reformed Churches is explicated in the Three Forms of Unity: the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism.
The Continental Reformed Churches are distinguished from the Presbyterian, Congregational, Reformed Anglican or other Calvinist churches, which can trace their origin to the British Isles or elsewhere in the world. Notably, their theology is largely derived from the Swiss Reformation, as Switzerland (specifically Geneva and Zürich) was a base for the most influential Reformed theologians of the era. It was inaugurated by Huldrych Zwingli, who formulated the first expression of the Reformed faith. Swiss Reformation was more fully articulated by Martin Bucer, Heinrich Bullinger and especially John Calvin, who became recognized as the leading figure in the Reformed tradition. In the sixteenth century, the movement spread to most of continental Europe, sometimes with the protection of monarchs or members of the nobility, as in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hungary, some German states, and France.
Continental Reformed churches are represented in the International Conference of Reformed Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, and World Reformed Fellowship.
History
The first Reformed (Calvinist) churches were established in Europe after 1519 and were part of the Protestant Reformation.
Reformed doctrine is expressed in various confessions. A few confessions are shared by many denominations. Different denominations use different confessions, usually based on historical reasons.
The continental Reformed churches had an impact on Anglicanism and Presbyterianism during the Protestant Reformation in England and the Scotland, It continued to influence the Church of England and Church of Scotland through the Puritans, who wished to reform them along continental lines.
