The New Apostolic Church in terms of its foundation, institutionalization and fundamental ideas

The New Apostolic Church is a new religious movement that emerged within Christianity towards the end of the 19th century. The issue of apostolicity, which came to the fore in the historical process, led to the emergence of a new formation called the Catholic-Apostolic Church in England. As a result of the deterioration of apostolicity within the Catholic-Apostolic Church, congregations aimed at rebuilding apostolicity and eventually the New Apostolic Church emerged. The New Apostolic Church was founded and developed through figures such as Friedrich Wilhelm Schwartz, Friedrich Wilhelm Menkhoff and Johann Gottfried Bischoff. Especially during the reign of Johann Gottfried Bischoff, the Church became involved in politics and was at the center of false prophecies. This led to criticism of the New Apostolic Church and divisions within the church. Despite the criticism and divisions, the New Apostolic Church today has more than 9 million members in 200 countries. Thanks to its advanced institutionalization system, the Church is able to manage its activities in different countries through regional apostolates. The most important authority who continues to exist in the Church is the chief apostle. With these institutions, the New Apostolic Church wants to prepare its members for the coming of Jesus Christ and seeks to establish spiritual health within the community. The beliefs and practices of the New Apostolic Church are in line with the basic principles of Christianity. However, the New Apostolic Church has its own unique practices, such as performing sacraments on behalf of the dead and including the institution of apostleship in its beliefs. The New Apostolic Church also has its own sources. These include catechisms, a booklet of questions and answers, a church songbook which includes 438 songs and materials for church education. Anahtar Kelimeler: New Apostolic Church, Christian Sects, New Religious Movements