### Protestant churches (Latin protestare, meaning: to protest)
They were Christian Churches formed throughout the Reformation. The title originates from the fact that at the Imperial Diet in Speyer, (1529) the delegates of German states who followed the doctrines of the Reformation, - were protesting against resolutions that were prejudicial to their interests. Despite the differences in their teaching and church organisation, Protestant Churches proclaimed the same fundamental principles: only the mercy of God granted salvation to those who believe in him; the only one source of faith is the Bible; the denial of Church orders and respect for the saints. MA