Organization of Calvinist Churches

Timeline

1. 1560–1567Scotland · ScotlandAfter the Scottish Parliament abolished papal authority in 1560, John Knox and others established a presbyterian governance structure modeled on Calvin, setting up Kirk Sessions at various levels and the embryo of a General Assembly, making Scotland an important model for Calvinist church organization.
2. 1561–1569France · FranceFrench Calvinists, during brief periods of tolerance such as the Edict of Orléans and between the Wars of Religion, unified doctrine through regional synods, trained ministers, and established discipline courts, forming a congregational network covering southern and western cities, providing the religious organizational basis for Huguenot political militarization.
3. 1563–1570Heidelberg · HeidelbergThe Heidelberg Catechism was published in the Palatinate in 1563, becoming one of the most important doctrinal standards of Calvinists and the Reformed. Along with regional synod decisions, it drove Calvinist/Reformed churches in Germany toward greater unity in doctrine and discipline.