The Brethren

The Brethren. . , The Brethren movement started in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany when a group of Pietists of Reformed and Lutheran background adopted an anabaptist church organization. Due to severe repression and economic necessity, virtually the entire movement migrated to North America beginning in 1719. The name "Church of the Brethren" has been used since 1908., Brethren hold the New Testament as their guidebook for living. Baptism, in the Brethren tradition, is a rite for persons who choose of their own volition to believe in and follow Christ. Brethren value a simple lifestyle and consider themselves to be stewards of the earth and all its resources. Brethren seek to establish and maintain wholesome family lives, holding marriage as sacred., Brethren place emphasis on service to their neighbors. Believing that Jesus Christ was the "man for others," they stress the name orientation of life is required of His disciples., The Church of the Brethren is one of thee three historic peace churches - along with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Mennonites. Brethren believe in non-violent solutions to conflict through reconciliation. Historically, they express their opposition to war through a position of conscientious objection to military service.