The term national church is usually a reference to a church organization in Christianity that claims pastoral jurisdiction over a nation . Sometimes the head of state is considered the ceremonial head of the national church, with the church not endorsing itself as the state religion. The term should not be confused with established church (state church): a national church differs from a state church in that a national church does not necessarily need to be officially endorsed by the state, and even may be persecuted by the government (as Orthodox churches were persecuted under communist regimes).

The term national church (or independent church) is most often used within, but is not limited to, the Anglican Communion and Orthodox Christianity. For example, the Episcopal Church in the United States of America considers itself to be the national church of the United States.