Who We Are

In Essentials... Unity;

In Non-essentials... Liberty;

In All Things... Love.

Our Doctrine...

IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY
One of the emphases of the Unity of the Brethren from the outset has been upon the Bible as the sourcebook of all Christian truth. This emphasis placed it at the forefront of the Protestant Reformation movement. We believe that the Bible is not only to be regarded as the heart of God’s revelation of His person and purpose for His creation, but also as a standard for Christian faith and conduct. For this reason, translating the Word of God into everyday life continues to be a high priority for Brethren. Interpretation and application of scriptural truth to life, however, has been strongly influenced by that ancient motto of the Church, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.” Accordingly, we believe that it is essential for a Christian to believe in one God as revealed in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Secondly, we believe that God the Father offers in Christ, God’s Son, the only revealed way of salvation from the penalty and power of sin. Those who accept this grace by faith become members of the Body of Christ, the Church. It is this fellowship of believers, committed to the will and purpose of God as a means of giving glory to Christ, which serves as the visible form of the Kingdom of God on earth. We also believe that the Holy Spirit continues to be active in the world, particularly in the hearts of believers, communicating God’s presence, power, and purpose for a life of witness. We believe, furthermore, that it is essential for a Christian to believe in the glorious return of Christ, at the time appointed by the Father, to judge the world and to reward the faithful.

IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY

However, we believe that full agreement is not essential among Christians in such matters as the way Christ is present in the sacraments, the elements used, the time and method of baptism, nor the system of church organization and government.

And IN ALL THINGS, LOVE.
Because of our oneness in Christ with all Christians through our common faith, and because we believe that Jesus established the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as a special means of grace for all believers, we invite all Christians to come to the Lord’s Table with us in Holy Communion, regardless of denominational affiliation. We further believe that the Lord himself continues to serve as host at the Table which he established. And finally, we believe that it is urgent that all Christians work together in love. Jesus said: “If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Working together with all Christians in a spirit of love has always been an important concern of Brethren as we labor together toward that common goal when “every knee should bow . . . and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

Our Church Emblem

the Cross represents Christ as the resurrected and living Lord,
the Bible is the sourcebook of all Christian truth, written in the common peoples' language and open for all to explore,
the Chalice holds special significance for the Brethren: not only is it a symbol of the Lord's Supper, but it is also a reminder of the pre-Reformation insistence of John Hus and the early Brethren that all people receive wine, as well as bread, in Holy Communion."

Our Beginnings in the Czechlands

The Unity of the Brethren has its beginnings in Bohemia in the 1400s.

Officially the Unitas Fratrum (Unity of Brethren)

is the oldest Protestant denomination,

predating the Reformation by 60 years.

Jan Hus (Huss) (c.1369/1373? –1415)

Jan Hus was a Czech theologian and reformer who challenged ecclesiastical authority and paved the way for future religious shifts. The death of Jan Hus sparked the Hussite movement that preceded the Protestant Reformation by a century.

Hus advocated for....

Hus insisted that the Bible be translated into the common language of the Czech people, allowing the common people to understand scripture and gain the ability to pray or speak directly to God.

Hus believed that the cup (the Wine) should be available to all believers. At the time, the Roman Catholic Church typically reserved the cup of wine for the clergy only. The common parishioners were only allowed the bread. Hus argued that this was contrary to the example set by Christ at the Last Supper

Hus spoke out against the sale of indulgences and challenged papal authority during the Middle Ages, arguing that Scripture held higher authority than Popes or Councils and insisting that salvation could not be purchased,

On July 6, 1415, priest Jan Hus was martyred for his beliefs. He was excommunicated, condemned, and burned at the stake.

In 1457, Jan Hus' followers formed

Unitas Fratum

The Unity of the Brethren

We are all called to Love God and Love Each Other!

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