In the New Testament, the word “brethren” describes a community of men and women who chose another way of living: the way of Jesus. The Church of the Brethren was begun in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany, with the baptism of eight adults in the Eder River. This little band of Christians soon attracted more followers. Due to persecution and economic difficulties, the young church left Europe to settle in the colony of Pennsylvania where freedom of religion allowed them to practice their faith openly.

From the beginning and to this day, the core beliefs of the Church of the Brethren are rooted in following the way of Jesus. A commitment to peacemaking, no force in religion, no creed but the New Testament, simple living, adult baptism, and the practice of Love Feast are some of our distinctive features. While holding some distinctive values, we are also committed to working ecumenically with other Christians and to dialoguing with other faith traditions.

The Church of the Brethren is active with the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. The Church of the Brethren founded six colleges (including Elizabethtown College), Bethany Theological Seminary, The Heifer Project, and Brethren Volunteer Service (a mission-based service corps that served as a model for the Peace Corps).

The Church of the Brethren still draws people who want to continue Jesus’ work of faithfulness and loving service. We invite you to view the items in the "Our Beliefs and Practices" menu or to visit www.brethren.org for more information on our beliefs and practices.

Much of the information presented in the "Our Beliefs and Practices" menu is from www.brethren.org.