Mainline Protestant
Mainline protestants played a large role in American history, as most the nation's founders belonged to congregations that are now considered mainline protestant. Up until the 1950s, roughly 50% of Americans identified as a member of the largest seven mainline denominations. Although membership has since declined, Mainline protestantism remains a large Christian contingency, comprising 14% of the U.S. population today. (PRRI). Interestingly, the mainline protestant population is unique as there are a nearly equal number of democrats and republicans in their ranks.
Some mainline protestant denominations emphasize a progressive view on theology and issues of social and economic justice. The term "Mainline" is typically associated with churches that are not overtly evangelical or fundamentalist*. Examples of Mainline Protestant denominations include the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Methodist Church, the Reformed Church in America, the Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Schisms in mainline traditions have given birth to evangelical offshoots. A recent example is the Global Methodist Church, which split off from the United Methodist Church in 2022.
*It must be noted that the term "mainline protestant" may be problematic as the term can be construed as exhibiting historical anglo-saxon protestant ethnocentric assumptions. "Mainline' also can be erroneously associated with "mainstream," which can lead to disinfranchisement of faith traditions of evangelical, fundamentalist and non-white individuals.
For more information regarding Mainline Protestants, go to:
Clergy and Congregations in a Time of Transformation: Findings from the 2022-2023 Mainline Protestant Clergy Survey
Pew Research Center: Mainline Protestants
Photo courtesy of Central Presbyterian Church (Louisville) website.
Mainline Protestant Denominations are listed below.
