The Roman Catholic Church (Church of Rome) was founded by the Roman Empire, but many adherents don't like it to be called its original name: Roman Catholic Church or Church of Rome. They prefer to be called Catholic Church to remove the Roman connection and appropriate the meaning of "catholic" as universal.
The Anglican Church (Church of England) was founded by the English/British Empire. The word "Anglican" means "English." "English" is "anglais" in French and "Anglicus" in Latin. But most people don't know the meaning of "Anglican"; it is not as obvious as the "Roman" in "Roman Catholic Church." So it does not have the same effect as "Roman". But after the Revolutionary War between the 13 colonies of the USA and England, Americans did not want the word "Anglican" to remain in the branch of the church in their country. Therefore, they changed the Anglican Church in the US to "The Episcopal Church" to assert themselves as an independent American church. The word "episcopal" refers to bishops. So Episcopal Church refers to a church run by bishops. That way, the Americans expunged the “English" from their Anglican Church in America. Similarly, in Nigeria, it was officially changed to Church of Nigeria to also assert its independence from the UK. But the word "Anglican" remains in its name to show its origin.
Presbyterian Church has its origin in the Church of Scotland.
The African Church decided to make a statement that Africans should practise Christianity the African way and not the European way and have their own church, just as the Romans, the English, etc, established theirs.
Other religions and denominations have similar stories. Each was established by an individual or group as the best way to worship the Almighty. Many even argue that their way is the only true way, thereby ridiculing, disfavouring, despising, demonising, and even physically attacking others outside their faith or denomination.
Any time I see someone fighting over church denomination or religion rather than focusing on godliness and being an exemplary ambassador of God, it becomes obvious that the person does not know God. My rating of that person diminishes.
Those who truly worship God in spirit and in truth don't bicker or boast over organized religion or denomination, because they know that religions and denominations are man-made.
Written by Mr. Azuka Onwuka
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