Christian traditions, including
Anabaptists (such as
Mennonites and
Schwarzenau Brethren),
Churches of Christ,
Christian Churches/Churches of Christ,
Disciples of Christ, refer to "ordinances", rather than "
sacraments". While a sacrament is seen as a means of grace from God, an ordinance is a practice that rather demonstrates the participants' faith.
Roman Catholics,
Eastern Orthodox, and
Protestant traditions (
Lutherans,
Anglicans,
Methodists,
Moravians,
Continental Reformed,
Presbyterians and
Congregationalists) prefer the use of the term "sacrament".
Baptists In the
Baptist tradition, the terms "sacrament" and "ordinance" are used interchangeably with reference to
baptism and the Lord's Supper, with these being established explicitly by Jesus Christ. Additional ordinances include
the laying on of hands (for the
confirmation of believers and during
ordination), which is named in the
Standard Confession (1660), as well as the
Washing of the Saints’ feet, which is practiced by certain Baptist denominations such as the Freewill Baptists. Certain churches in the Baptist tradition, particularly those that are Reformed Baptist, observe
head covering for Christian women during prayer and worship as a biblical ordinance.
Mormonism The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) uses the term
ordinance, however the underlying belief is sacramental. Rituals such as baptism, confirmation, initiatory (Chrismation), ordination, endowment (formal vows and reception of sacred vestments) and marriage are referred to as "saving ordinances", as they are considered transformative and necessary for salvation and exaltation. Similar to Catholic sacraments, Mormon ordinances are only considered valid if performed by ordained clergy with apostolic succession reaching back to Jesus through Peter.
Pentecostalism The
Calvary Holiness Association, a
Holiness Pentecostal denomination, affirms the ordinances of
baptism, the
Lord's Supper, and the
washing of the Saint's feet. Certain Pentecostal denominations, such as the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church and the
Christian Congregation, among others, observe the ordinance of
women's headcovering in obedience to . ==See also==