What is the difference between Presbyterians and Independents? Presbyterians support (as did the Anglican supporters of Episcopacy) a form of established state church. Independents (in their various forms, Congregationalist, etc.) are opposed to any state establishment of the church. Fundamental to the Independents was the idea of the gathered church, which was in contrast to the territorial basis of the Church of England whereby everyone in a certain area was assigned to the parish church. Independents believed that the foundation of the church was God's Spirit, not man or the state. Those who were definitely Christian believers, therefore, should seek out other Christians and gather together to make up a particular church.