The resources below comprise our Denominational Name Study Packet.

If you would like a hard copy of the Packet, you can either print a copy of all the below or request a Packet by Mail.

What’s in a name?

Over the past 30 years, a discussion has emerged within the Church of the Brethren regarding our denominational name.  Encompassing a wide range of perspectives and addressing a variety of issues and concerns, this discussion is based on the following questions:

  • Is our denominational name appropriate? Does it accurately communicate who we are as a people?
  • Has our name withstood cultural changes in language and nomenclature over the last century? Does it still 'say' what it used to say?
  • Is the word "Brethren", and hence our church name, gender specific?
  • How important is our current name? What makes a name 'important'?
  • Who is hurt by the current name?
  • Who benefits from the current name?
  • What does Love have to do with this issue? What does Love require of you given your understanding of the issue and your responses to these questions?

These are important and difficult questions. A name is significant and can never be taken lightly. It is a source of identity, power, personality, and history.

The resources in this section exist for the purpose of encouraging constructive dialogue and conversation about our denomination and denominational name in congregations and groups. We hope you will use them and let us know how the conversations are going (or went).
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