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Seeking religious freedom they couldn't get in Germany, the Brethren began to move to America in the early 1700s. Peter Becker was the first person to set up a church in the New World. His congregation set up in Germantown, Pa. in 1723.
The Brethren church started in Germany with 8 people who believed in living differently than the rest of the world. Simply, Peacefully, Together. The church is celebrating it's 300th anniversary this year and still has the same motto.
An important part of Brethren worship is Love Feast, a recreation of Christ's Last Supper. Love feast begins with a congregational footwashing, followed by a fellowship meal and the sharing of the bread and the cup. Traditionally, men and women sit on opposite sides of the church.
Simply. Early Brethren wore what is called Plain dress, which means that men wore black coats with no collar, broad rimmed black hats, hooks instead of buttons, and could have beards but never moustaches. Women would wear long dresses in dull colors and a prayer covering on top of their heads.
Peacefully. The Church of the Brethren is openly a pacifistic church. They believe that all war is sin, and therefore refuse to participate in one. During WWII, Brethren worked with the government to establish a system of alternate service for their country that wouldn't go against their religious beliefs. What they came up is now known as BVS, or Brethren Volunteer Service. If you were drafted for the war, you could volunteer in human service projects here instead.
Together. The word brethren literally means brothers. That fact alone should it make it obvious how tightly knit Brethren congregations are. They believe in loving each other like family and living in community. Modern Brethren churches often function because of many groups of people called either teams or boards who make decisions.
Brethren are often noted (even nicknamed) for their unique approach to baptism. They were often called Dunkards because they dunked the person into the water three times forwards (in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.)
The Holy Kiss is another example of Brethren togetherness. It is mentioned 5 times in the New Testament, the Brethren's sole creed. This kiss on the cheek was considered a common greeting and a sign of peace and acceptance.
For a more modern view of the church, check this out.
justplaydolls added this comment 2008-05-20 10:11:10-05:00
my one piece of con-crit would be that the inner heart is too small to read.
kpanch added this comment 2008-04-07 20:31:14-05:00
Dang it guys, I just lost the game :(
blpno1fan added this comment 2008-04-07 19:45:40-05:00
koolio
justplaydolls added this comment 2008-05-20 10:11:10-05:00
my one piece of con-crit would be that the inner heart is too small to read.
kpanch added this comment 2008-04-07 20:31:14-05:00
Dang it guys, I just lost the game :(
blpno1fan added this comment 2008-04-07 19:45:40-05:00
koolio