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Methodism began as a revival movement within the Church of England in the 18th century. Lead by the brothers John and Charles Wesley, it taught a methodical interpretation of Protestantism that stressed salvation was available for all. It separated from the established church in the 1790s but within 30 years it had itself split into Primitive and Wesleyan branches. Gradually these two forms converged until a formal reunification was achieved in 1932. Today it has about 80 million adherents worldwide.

Congregationalism is a Protestant movement within the Calvinist tradition. It occupies a theological position between Presbyterianism at one end and the Society of Friends at the other. Each congregation independently and autonomously runs its own affairs. Some sources identify the English Separatist Robert Browne (1550–1633) as its founder. It spread to Holland and North America. Cromwell’s New Model Army was dominated by Congregationalists which meant that it was subjugated after the restoration. The Congregational Union of England and Wales was established in 1831 It had no authority over the affiliated churches, but instead aimed to advise and support them. In 1972, about three-quarters of English Congregational churches merged with the Presbyterian Church of England to form the United Reformed Church (URC). However, about 600 Congregational churches have continued in their historic independent tradition.