The NGK has a presbyterian polity with power divided between synods, presbyteries, and church councils. Synods functioned as courts of appeal from the presbyteries. See also the List of Presbyterian Church (USA) synods and presbyteries. Synods have various duties depending on the needs of the presbyteries they serve. The German Christians then gained about a third of all seats in presbyteries and synods. The church has 1,249 congregations, 27 presbyteries, and 1,550 ministers. Often all members of the constituent presbyteries are members of the synod. The HRC has 27 presbyteries, four districts and a General Synod. As of 2016 there were 102 Free Church congregations, organised into six presbyteries. Under the more secure protection of Cromwell congregations multiplied and new presbyteries were formed. Each synod generally consists of a number of presbyteries. Local churches were further organized into geographically defined presbyteries. Ecumenical statements and agreements are subject to the ratification of the presbyteries. The Conservative Presbyterian Church was founded in 1940 and has eight presbyteries. It was a small group of churches with 2 presbyteries.