| Origins | Traces to the 1st-century church at Rome; formally distinct after the 1054 East-West Schism and the 16th-century Reformation. | Shares roots with Rome; separated in the 1054 Great Schism over papal authority and the filioque. | Began with Martin Luther's reform movement in Germany, 1517. | Grew from John Calvin's Reformation in Geneva and John Knox in Scotland, 16th century. | Emerged from John and Charles Wesley's revival within the Church of England, 18th century. | Arose among English separatists in the early 17th century. | Born in early-20th-century revivals, notably the 1906 Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles. | A modern movement of independent churches, growing rapidly from the late 20th century. |
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| Authority | Scripture and sacred tradition, interpreted by the Church's teaching office (magisterium) under the Pope. | Scripture and holy tradition, guarded by the consensus of the ancient churches and ecumenical councils. | Scripture alone (sola scriptura) as the final rule, read alongside historic confessions such as the Augsburg Confession. | Scripture alone, summarized in confessions such as the Westminster Confession. | Scripture as primary, read with tradition, reason, and experience (the Wesleyan Quadrilateral). | Scripture alone as the sole authority for faith and practice. | Scripture alone, with strong emphasis on the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. | Scripture alone; each church sets its own statement of faith. |
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| Baptism | Infants and converts; baptism understood to convey grace. | Infants and converts, usually by immersion, followed immediately by chrismation. | Infants and converts; baptism seen as a means of grace. | Infants of believers and converts; a covenant sign. | Infants and converts, by various modes. | Believers only, by full immersion, on a personal profession of faith. | Believers, usually by immersion. | Most practice believer's baptism by immersion. |
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| Communion / Eucharist | The Eucharist as the real presence of Christ (transubstantiation), central to every Mass. | The Eucharist as the true body and blood of Christ; the mystery is affirmed without a single defined mechanism. | The real presence of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine (the sacramental union). | Christ spiritually present to faith; a means of grace, not a physical presence. | An open table; Christ truly present, understood as a means of grace. | The Lord's Supper as a symbolic memorial (ordinance), not a physical presence. | The Lord's Supper as a memorial ordinance. | Usually a symbolic memorial; frequency varies. |
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| Worship style | Liturgical Mass with set order, vestments, and sacraments. | Ancient, highly liturgical Divine Liturgy with icons, incense, and chant. | Liturgical, often close to the historic order, with strong emphasis on preaching. | Historically simple and word-centered; ranges from traditional to contemporary today. | Warm and structured, with strong hymn singing. | Varies widely; typically preaching-centered and less formal. | Expressive and spontaneous, with music, prayer, and spiritual gifts. | Typically contemporary, casual, and music-driven. |
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| Church government | Hierarchical: Pope, bishops, and priests in apostolic succession. | Self-governing (autocephalous) national churches in communion, led by patriarchs and bishops. | Varies by body: some have bishops, others are synodical or congregational. | Rule by elders through graded courts (session, presbytery, general assembly). | Connectional, often with bishops and regional conferences. | Congregational: each local church is self-governing and autonomous. | Ranges from denominational networks to independent churches. | Independent and self-governing, often led by a pastor and elders or a board. |
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| Distinctive emphasis | Papal authority, seven sacraments, veneration of Mary and the saints. | Icons, theosis (union with God), and no single earthly head. | Justification by grace through faith alone (sola fide). | God's sovereignty in salvation and covenant theology. | Personal holiness, sanctification, and social service. | Believer's baptism, local church autonomy, and religious liberty. | Baptism in the Holy Spirit and gifts such as tongues, prophecy, and healing. | No formal denominational ties; emphasis on the local church and the Bible. |
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