Charity Christian Fellowship

Charity Christian Fellowship is a network of Churches that was formed in 1982 in Pennsylvania. Most of the members have roots in Plain Anabaptist groups and the network is seen as Anabaptist by Kraybill and Hostetter.[1]

In the late 1980s a tape ministry was started as well as an organisation for foreign missions. A publication, called The Remnant, was started in 1994.[2]

Belief and practice

In doctrine the Charity churches are quite fundamentalist and the expression of faith is rather charismatic. The churches of the network resemble Conservative Mennonites in many ways. Members wear Plain dress, women with head coverings. Believer's baptism by immersion, Foot washing and the Holy Kiss are practiced. Non-swearing of oaths and opposition to military service is also mandatory.[3]

There is a strong evangelism to win converts from other Anabaptist groups as well as from outside groups.[1]

Members and Congregations

In 1993 there were nine churches in eight states of the US and around 500 baptized members. [3] Around the year 2000 there were 24 congregations in the network in fifteen states of the US, mainly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. There were 1,467 members and an estimated total population including children an young adults not yet baptized of 2,787 people.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Donald B. Kraybill, C. Nelson Hostetter: Anabaptist World USA, Scottdale PA, 2001, page 159.
  2. ↑ Charity Christian Fellowship: About us. at charitychristianfellowship.org.
  3. 1 2 Stephen Scott: Old Order and Conservative Mennonites Groups, Intercourse, PA 1996, page 197.
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