Christadelphians

Christadelphians are a Christian movement that emerged in the 19th century among Bible students in Britain and North America. The name, meaning “brothers in Christ,” reflects their emphasis on sister and brother fellowship within autonomous local ecclesias. They developed apart from mainline churches over differences in doctrine, authority of Scripture, and church organization.

Beliefs common to the movement include a strict monotheism: there is only one God, the Father; Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, but not coequal with God the Father. The Holy Spirit is understood as God’s power or presence rather than a distinct person. The Bible is regarded as the sole and sufficient authority for faith and practice. They expect the Kingdom of God to be established on earth when Christ returns. Salvation is linked to personal faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, and ongoing adherence to the gospel. The Christadelphians reject the immortality of the soul and the doctrine of eternal torment, teaching instead conditional immortality with final judgment and annihilation for the wicked.

Practices are organized around autonomous ecclesias, which are led by appointed elders and lay members; there is no paid clergy. Worship typically includes the weekly breaking of bread (the Lord’s Supper), Bible readings, prayer, and a cappella singing. The movement emphasizes Bible study, mutual exhortation, and charitable works. Members generally observe political neutrality and pacifism, reflecting a focus on spiritual rather than state affairs. Globally, Christadelphians form a network of ecclesias and Bible schools with varying local traditions but shared doctrinal commitments.