Our History

     As Brethren in Christ, we trace our beginnings from a group known as the River Brethren, which originated about 1778 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania .  Our forbearers bore witness to the beliefs which set them apart by formulating a Confession of Faith.  The first confessional statement of about 1780 and other that followed reflect the Pietistic and Anabaptist influences which have shaped our doctrinal understandings. Some one hundred years later the Brethren in Christ adopted aspects of Wesleyan thought which were incorporated into subsequent doctrinal statements. 

     Through the years, we have reaffirmed and redefined our essential beliefs. In the 20^th century, new doctrinal statements were adopted by General Conferences in 1937 and again in 1961. 

     In 1986, we decided to give written expression to our current beliefs and life. This was done with a sensitivity to and respect for our doctrinal heritage. We regard each previous doctrinal statement of the church as having its own integrity. 

     In preparing the doctrinal statement, we affirm an understanding of scriptural interpretation that recognizes (1) the inspiration and illumination of the Holy Spirit; (2) the centrality of Christ in divine revelation; (3) the New Testament as interpreter of the Old Testament; (4) the scriptural focus on piety and obedience; and (5) the essential value of community consensus in the interpretive process.  One must read the doctrinal statement as a whole, since each of the sections is closely related to the others.  Moreover, this is a summary statement of our beliefs; the Brethren in Christ Manual of Doctrine and Government  together with other publications of the church explain more fully our understandings of biblical faith and the Christian life.

      For more information on our history, go to the Brethren in Christ home page.