The following is a statement of faith approved for circulation by the 1923 Annual Conference, with the understanding that it is not to be considered a creed. [The New Testament is our only creed]. It is commonly called “The Brethren Card.”

The Church of the Brethren

Formerly Called Dunkers

1. This body of Christians originated early in the eighteenth century the church being a natural outgrowth of the Pietistic movement following the Reformation.

2. Firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of;

• the inspiration of the Bible,
• the personality of the Holy Spirit,
• the virgin birth,
• the deity of Christ,
• the sin-pardoning value of his atonement,
• his resurrection from the tomb, ascension and personal and visible return and
• the resurrection, both of the just and unjust (John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

3. Observes the following New Testament rites:

• Baptism of penitent believers by trine immersion for the remission of sins (Matt. 28: 19; Acts 2:38);
• feet-washing (John 13:1-20; 1 Tim. 5:10);
• love feast (Luke 22:20; John 13: 4; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Jude 12);
• communion (Matt. 26:26-30);
• the Christian salutation (Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:37);
• proper appearance in worship (1 Cor. 11:2-16);
• the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18; Mark 6:13);
• laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14).

These rites are representative of spiritual facts which obtain in the lives of true believers, and as such are essential factors in the development of the Christian life.

4. Emphasizes:

• daily devotion for the individual, and family worship for the home (Eph. 6: 18-20; Philpp. 4:8, 9);
• stewardship of time, talents and money (Matt. 25:14-30);
• taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick and aged (Acts 6:1-7).

5. Opposes on Scriptural grounds:

• War and the taking of human life (Matt. 5:21-26, 43, 44; Rom. 12:19-21; Isa. 53:7-12);
• violence in personal and industrial controversy (Matt 7: 12; Rom. 13: 8-10);
• intemperance in all things (Titus 2: 2; Gal, 5: 19-26; Eph. 5: .18);
• going to law, especially against our Christian brethren (1 Cor. 6:1-9);
• divorce and remarriage, except for the one Scriptural reason (Matt 19:9);
• every form of oath (Matt. 5: 33-37; James 5:12);
• membership in secret oath-bound societies (2 Cor. 6:14-18);
• games of chance and sinful amusements (1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Rom. 12:17);
• extravagant and immodest dress (1 Tim. 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:1-6).

6. Labors earnestly, in harmony with the Great Commission,

• for the evangelization of the world;
• for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ; and;
• for the realization of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; 2 Cor. 3:18).

7. Maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in harmony with which the above brief doctrinal statement is made.