Brethren distinctives
The Brethren Church has the same basic convictions as all other Christ-followers. However, they have some distinctives as well. The distinctive beliefs of the Brethren Church express themselves in a distinctive faith. Their understanding of salvation as discipleship means that Brethren think all Christ-followers are called to live a Christ-like life. This will mean going against the values of the world. This is why Brethren have historically emphasized nonconformity to the world, as well as practicing non-resistance and non-swearing of oaths. While opinions on these issues differ in the Brethren Church today, the values of peacemaking and personal integrity are still affirmed.
In their corporate life together Brethren practice distinctive forms of baptism and communion. Baptism is for believers only. The mode of baptism used by the brethren is known as trine immersion- immersing the candidate three times forward. However, Brethren have recently begun to recognize forms of believer's baptism other than immersion.
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Brethren also practice confirmation and anointing. In confirmation the elder or deacons lay hands on someone recently baptized to symbolize the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the person's life. Anointing is practiced when someone calls on the elders of the church and requests anointing with oil for healing (James 5).