The Church of the Brethren is a mainline Protestant denomination that began as a melding of Radical Pietist and Anabaptist ideas. It is the largest denomination originating from the German Schwarzenau Brethren in 1708.

The Church of the Brethren is one of the historic peace churches. Historically, it has partnered with Quakers and Mennonites in their publications and other peace efforts. It holds the New Testament as its only creed. The final authority for settling disputes over the correct interpretation of New Testament passages is the Annual Conference. The Church of the Brethren also holds that "faith without works is dead," and has therefore been heavily involved in disaster relief and other charitable work. Brethren often describe themselves in terms of what they do rather than what they believe.

The Brethren practice the "priesthood of all believers," and their structure is egalitarian. Some members still address each other as "Brother Smith" or "Sister Jones," for example. The term "minister" is understood as a functional role rather than a hierarchical position of authority. Distinctive practices of the Brethren include believer's baptism by triple immersion; a Love Feast consisting of foot washing, a fellowship meal, and communion; anointing for healing; and the holy kiss.

Brethren have been urged (and in earlier times compelled) to live a relatively simple lifestyle. At various points in their history, Brethren have been discouraged from attending fairs and carnivals, swearing oaths, driving motorized vehicles, attending secular colleges, joining secret societies, filing lawsuits, gambling, and using tobacco or alcoholic beverages. Simplicity (or nonconformity, as it was called until the early twentieth century) once required very similar clothing to that of the Amish. Today, however, many members of the church take simplicity to mean living a more ecologically friendly lifestyle by consuming less and being aware of the effect of their choices on the earth and other people.

The Church of the Brethren gave women equal ordination status to men in 1958. The official position of the Church of the Brethren is opposed to performing same-sex marriages. However, the Church of the Brethren also affirms "unity in diversity," which generally allows districts and congregations to choose to perform same-sex marriages if they wish to.

Groups such as the Womaen's Caucus, Voices for an Open Spirit, and the Brethren Mennonite Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests advocate liberal ideas within the church, while the Brethren Revival Fellowship advocates conservative ideas.

Links

Church of the Brethren BrethrenPedia Live Oak Church of the Brethren Church of the Brethren Womaen's Caucus of the Church of the Brethren Voices for an Open Spirit Brethren Mennonite Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests Brethren Revival Fellowship Schwarzenau Brethren Radical Pietism Anabaptism