The Dutch Reformed Church is a Protestant Christian denomination that originated in the Netherlands during the Reformation in the 16th century. It is part of the broader Reformed tradition, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of grace through faith. The church has a strong historical connection to the teachings of theologians like John Calvin. In the United States, the Dutch Reformed Church played a significant role in the development of various communities, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. It has several branches, including the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America, each with its own governance and practices while maintaining core Reformed beliefs.