Presbyterianism in England in the 16th–17th centuries in the context of confessionalization processes: from an alternative ecclesiology to an institutional project

Abstract

The democratization of Ukrainian society is reflected, among other indicators, in the growing respect for freedom of conscience and the legalization of Christian communities outside the Orthodox tradition. The spread of diverse denominations requires deeper scholarly understanding of the origins and development of Protestantism. The Reformation remains one of the most complex issues in the history of medieval and early modern Western Europe, as it decisively shaped the specificity of Western civilization and the European mentality. Particular attention should be given to Puritans and Presbyterians, who enriched Reformation thought by strengthening its social and democratic dimensions. They not only elaborated its ethical principles but also articulated new political ideas concerning governance, community, and accountability. This study aims to examine the formation and development of Presbyterianism in England during the Modern Era through analysis of scholarly and confessional sources. The methodology combines problem-chronological and prosopographic approaches with general scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis, and systematization. The findings demonstrate that the Reformation became the last major social protest in Western Europe expressed in religious form. The consolidation of Calvinist Protestantism, particularly Presbyterianism, significantly influenced English society and contributed to the ideological tensions that culminated in the English Revolution and Civil War.