The term elder is based on the same Scriptures that are used to identify bishops and overseers in other Christian circles, [36] and some Exclusive Brethren claim that the system of recognition of elders by the assembly means that the Open Brethren cannot claim full adherence to the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. [37] Open Brethren consider, however, that this reveals a mistaken understanding of the priesthood of all believers which, in the Assemblies, has to do with the ability to directly offer worship to God and His Christ at the Lord's Supper, whether silently or audibly, without any human mediator being necessary—which is in accordance with 1 Timothy 2:5, where it is stated that Christ Jesus Himself is the sole Mediator between God and men ( men being used here generically of mankind, and not referring simply and solely to males). Speaking to the ECHO, she said: "The most traumatic thing is that the Brethren make out that when you want to quit or if you're feeling uncomfortable about something, they tell you that you're 'ill' or 'mental' and not capable of making decisions. They became known as "the brethren from Plymouth" and were soon simply called "Plymouth Brethren". What makes Brethren any different to other Christians? The River Brethren have their origins in the ministries of Mennonite Bishop Jacob Engle and Mennonite Pastor Martin Boehm, beginning in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the latter half of the 18th century. They were also influenced by the Schwarzenau Brethren and include (amongst others):

Coad, F. Roy (2001) A History of the Brethren Movement: Its Origins, Its Worldwide Development and Its Significance for the Present Day. Regent College Publishing ISBN 1-57383-183-2 Harry Ironside [50] – Bible teacher, preacher, and author; pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago (1930–1948); associated at different times with both the Open and Exclusive Brethren Official church statements oppose abortion while committing to "develop constructive, creative alternatives". [33] Ordinances [ edit ]Robert Anderson – senior officer of Scotland Yard and Christian author; was a member of the Plymouth Brethren, first with Darby then with the Open Brethren party, before returning to his Presbyterian roots Mr. Newton and the "Brethren" ". Spurgeon.org. Archived from the original on 26 June 2010 . Retrieved 24 October 2010. Brethren Encyclopedia, Vol. IV, Donald F. Durnbaugh and Dale V. Ulrich, editors, Carl Bowman, contributing editor (2006) The Brethren Encyclopedia Inc.

The first Brethren were known in Europe as New Baptists (to distinguish them from the Mennonites, the direct descendants of the Anabaptists, whom they resembled in many ways) or as Schwarzenau Baptists (because of their place of origin). The largest congregation after Schwarzenau was organized in the Marienborn area near Büdingen, Germany. In 1715 the Marienborn congregation was forced to leave because of changes in local religious policy. Members moved to Krefeld on the lower Rhine, where their proselytizing brought them into conflict with the authorities and where several were sentenced to long prison terms. They also struggled with internal disagreements, which caused a group of 20 families to move from Krefeld to Pennsylvania in 1719. In the early years of the church, people coming into the Church of the Brethren from other denominations were expected to be rebaptized. Today, most congregations will receive members by reaffirmation of faith or by letter of transfer from another congregation or denomination.The central emphasis of the Church of the Brethren is not a creed, but a commitment to follow Christ in simple obedience, to be faithful disciples in the modern world. As do most other Christians, the Brethren believe in God as Creator and loving Sustainer. We confess the Lordship of Christ, and we seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit in every aspect of life, thought, and mission. The remaining middle group—called "conservatives"—retained the name German Baptist Brethren. At the Annual Conference of 1908 at Des Moines, Iowa, the name was officially changed to the Church of the Brethren. The Annual Conference justified the name change by citing the predominant use of English in the church, the fact that the name "German Baptist" frustrated mission work, and that it would disassociate the denomination from the Old German Baptist Brethren. [6] 20th century [ edit ] The church runs a charity, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) that supports local communities in times of need.