church of the brethren
Proper noun: A Protestant Christian denomination originating in Germany and established in the United States in 1708. It is historically part of the Anabaptist tradition, emphasizing pacifism, simplicity, adult baptism by triune immersion, and a reluctance to swear oaths.
The term "Church of the Brethren" is used as the official name of the denomination. It functions as a singular proper noun. * The Church of the Brethren holds its annual conference this summer. * She was raised in the Church of the Brethren. * The beliefs of the Church of the Brethren include a commitment to peace.
- "Brethren": While "Brethren" is part of the proper name, it is sometimes used informally to refer to members of the denomination.
- The Brethren gathered for a work camp to aid the community.
- Brethren Church: A separate, smaller denomination that shares common historical roots with the Church of the Brethren but became distinct in the 1880s.
- Dunker: A historical nickname for members, derived from their practice of baptism by immersion.
- German Baptist Brethren: The original historical name for the group before adopting "Church of the Brethren" in the early 20th century.
- Brethren (informal, contextual)
- Dunkers (historical)
This term refers specifically to the organized denomination. It is distinct from the more general phrase "church of the brethren," which could descriptively refer to any congregation of brothers (brethren) in faith. The capital "C" in "Church" is a key indicator of the proper noun.
- a Baptist denomination founded in 1708 by Americans of German descent; opposed to military service and taking legal oaths; practiced trine immersion