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PrintLong before The Beatles suggested giving peace a chance, three religions emerged in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries advocating just that. The Church of the Brethren, the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, and the Mennonites are the world’s major peace churches, which focus on nonviolent solutions to all conflicts.
History
In 1525, Mennonites arose when a group of believers disagreed with some aspects of the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther teachings. The group thought the ideas of the Reformation weren’t radical enough and advocated for the baptism of adults, making the faith a part of the Anabaptist movement.
The Religious Society of Friends followed in the 17th century under similar circumstances. Borrowing ideas from many other Christian denominations such as Anabaptists and Independents, the Society of Friends is believed to have originated with George Fox, a 17th century British preacher. Without intending to jump-start a new religion, Fox preached of “Christ within,” and the idea began to spread, culminating in the Religious Society of Friends, which faced much persecution because of its anti-war declarations and refusal to take oaths.
Also known as Dunkers because of their baptismal traditions, the Church of the Brethren has roots in German Pietistic-Anabaptists. The Brethren first came about in Germany in 1708, and as a result of persecution from the German state church, the group began immigrating to the U.S. between 1719 and 1729.
The name “historic peace churches” became prominent in 1935. It is used to describe the three faiths subscribing to the belief that Jesus said to love all enemies and that all confrontations can and should be resolved without violence. During World War II, that included the establishment of alternative military service for its members in the form of civilian public service.
Local
A Columbia-based Religious Society of Friends holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays at 1608 Locust Grove Drive. The group practices silent meetings, a form of worship involving only silent prayer, and welcomes everyone.
Sources: The History Channel; Quaker Information Center; World Council of Churches; peacetheology.org; Columbia Friends
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