Presbyterians

(Also known Unitarians)

This group rejected the authority of the episcopacy and, instead, believed that ministers should have more responsibility. They thought that the State was obliged to support the Church in punishing evildoers. Presbyterians gained more influence in Scotland, and when they decided that they could not trust Charles I, they felt obliged to rebel against him.

Merridale Road Presbyterian Church in the 1960s.

The Presbyterians collaborated with Independents culminating in formation of the 'Happy Union' of 1691. Unfortunately this actually re-awoke the fundamental differences between them.

Many chapels declined in the 18th century; others became Unitarian but retained the name Presbyterian because it was illegal to deny the existence of the Trinity. Some Scottish Presbyterian Churches were founded in England during the early 19th century. They came together as the Presbyterian Church of England in 1836.