Church of the Brethren

The Church of the Brethren differs from many Christian denominations in its path to continue the work of Jesus – instead of a focus on doctrine and creed, the Church of the Brethren encourages members to live “peacefully, simply, together,” following the Scriptures, giving aid, and listening to and conversing with others.

In fact, the Church of the Brethren is one of the “Historic Peace Churches.” It first began as a small gathering of religious dissenters in Schwarzenau, Germany, who in 1708 performed the illegal act of a second baptism. Though they did not differ from Protestants in their beliefs, these Brethren also believed in peaceful action and simple living. Persecution led to their emigration to the United States, where the first congregation was organized in Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1723. As settlers found their way across the New World, so did the Church of the Brethren.

Now the Church of the Brethren has over 1,000 congregations in the United States and Puerto Rico – but congregations also thrive in Nigeria, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic, and mission staff continue to move outward, to India, China, Ecuador, Sudan, and South Korea.

As a Peace Church, the Church of the Brethren opposes war and the Brethren do not participate in war. Instead, they begin peace projects that aim to help the world’s poor – Heifer Project International provides livestock to poor families; SERRV Project International supports craft producers in developing countries. Locally, Brethren participate vigorously in disaster relief, homeless shelters, day-cares, and other volunteer services.

The General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren, Stan Noffsinger, serves on the Council of Presidents of Religions for Peace-USA. Phil Jones, Director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, is on RFP-USA’s Executive Council.