Seventh Brethren Assembly Book Now Available
August 27th, 2025
A new book entitled “Brethren Faithfulness: Priorities In Perspective” has been released by Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., and is now available to the public. The book contains transcripts of papers and addresses given at the Seventh Brethren World Assembly held in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, in July of 2023. Every five years representatives of the nine largest Brethren bodies descended from the German Pietist Alexander Mack (1679-1735) gather to spend several days reflecting on their common historical roots. They hear scholarly papers, worship together, and hear what each of the groups is currently focusing on for strategic direction and growth. This 245-page trade paperback, which retails for $25 per copy, was edited by Maryland pastor Dan Thornton, who served as chair for the 2023 gathering. The 2023 Assembly marked 300 years since the organization of the first Brethren congregation in America in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and 100 years of the Brethren presence in Nigeria. Therefore speakers and scholars focused primarily on the Brethren presence in America during the 1700s. The book opens with a chapter entitled “What Led the Brethren to America?” and succeeding chapters focus on the expansion of the Brethren movement, the challenge of the American Revolution and impact of Christopher Saur II, the legacy of Alexander Mack, Jr., Brethren attitudes toward slavery, and a summary of 100 years of the Church of the Brethren growth in Nigeria. Brethren Encyclopedia publishes encyclopedias and monographs of Brethren interest. The group is comprised of representatives of the groups descended from Alexander Mack, which include Church of the Brethren, Covenant Brethren Church, Charis Fellowship, The Brethren Church, Dunkard Brethren Church, Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, and three groups from the Old Order German Baptist Brethren heritage. “Brethren Faithfulness” may be ordered from Brethren Encyclopedia’s website at www.brethrenencyclopedia.org or by contacting the organization at 5137 Waltersdorff Road, Spring Grove, PA 17362 or by calling (717) 817-6025.
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