The Baptist Denomination is a branch of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes believer's baptism, meaning individuals are baptized after making a personal confession of faith. This practice distinguishes Baptists from other Christian groups that may baptize infants. Baptists also value the autonomy of local congregations, allowing each church to govern itself independently. Baptists believe in the authority of the Bible as the sole source of faith and practice. They typically hold to the principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The denomination has various subgroups, including Southern Baptists and American Baptists, each with its own beliefs and practices.