universal church
Worldwide Christian body
The universal church is Christianity conceived as a single worldwide body of believers, transcending denominational boundaries and local congregations.
The term emphasizes spiritual unity across time and geography: All baptized Christians belong to the universal church.
It contrasts with particular churches—individual parishes, denominations, or traditions.
Catholic theology identifies the universal church with Rome; Protestant usage tends toward an invisible fellowship of all true believers.
- ecumenismMovement toward religious unity
- salvationDeliverance from harm
- ReformationReligious movement splitting Christianity
- Great SchismHistoric Christian church division
- Council of NicaeaEarly church doctrinal assembly
interfaith dialogue · grace · unity · Catholicism · communion · breaking bread · liturgy · sacraments · missionary work · bride of Christ · kingdom of God · Eastern Orthodoxy · cornerstone · evangelism · laity · clergy · moral teachings · religious tolerance
universal churchlocal church
Nearby place of worship
parish · parish church · house church · home church · chapel
universal churchsect
Breakaway religious faction
denominationalism · sectarianism · splinter group · denomination · independent church
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