free church

[ free church ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letters) a church free from state control. Compare established church.
2. (sometimes initial capital letters) a dissenting or nonconforming church.
3. (initial capital letters) Also Free Kirk []. (in Scotland) the church established by those who left the Church of Scotland in 1843.

Free Church

noun

1. 1. any Protestant Church, esp the Presbyterian, other than the Established Church
   2. ( as modifier )

      Free-Church attitudes

Word History and Origins

Origin of free church¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

There is a strong tradition of Christian church-going on Lewis - and neighbouring Harris - with the Church of Scotland and Free Church predominant.

From BBC

A member of the Free Church of Scotland, she said that having children outside of marriage was "wrong" according to her faith.

From BBC

Ms Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Mr Yousaf in the 2023 leadership contest, was criticised during the campaign for revealing she would have voted against gay marriage legislation had she been an MSP at the time due to her religious beliefs as a member of the Free Church of Scotland.

From BBC

Ms Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Mr Yousaf in the 2023 leadership contest, was criticised during the campaign for revealing she would have voted against gay marriage legislation had she been an MSP at the time due to her religious beliefs as a member of the Free Church of Scotland.

From BBC

As a member of the Presbyterian Free Church of Scotland, she saw her campaign against Mr Yousaf blown off course by her socially conservative views on marriage, abortion and gender.

From BBC