The Church of the Brethren

• Was organized in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany, when eight souls were baptized in the river Eder. Alexander Mack was its leader.
  
  
• In 1719, Peter Becker landed in Germantown, organizing the first emigration of members to America. On Christmas Day, 1723, the first baptism of six new members took place in the Wissahickon Creek.
  
  
• Believes that God, in love, creates, sustains, and orders all things.
  
  
• Confesses that God sent Jesus as Lord and Savior of all.
  
  
• Affirms that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to worship, proclaim the gospel, and serve.
  
  
• Accepts the New Testament as our rule of faith and practice.
  
  
• Preaches a dynamic personal faith in which the love of God and one another is integrated into word and deed.
  
  
• Observes the rites of Believer’s Baptism, Love Feast and Communion, and Anointing for Healing, and Feetwashing.
  
  
• Holds to the principle of no force in religion - a free act of faith on the part of the individual.
  
  
• Accepts Christ’s call to work for peace and harmony at home, in the nation, and in the world.
  
  
• Has missions and service ministries in 24 countries around the world.
  
  
• Cooperates with Church World Service, Disaster Relief, Refugee Resettlement, and other denominations in serving the cause of Christ.
  

For a more in-depth look at the historical timeline starting in 1415 and leading up to the present day, please visit www.cob-net.org/timeline.htm.