A veritable treasure of information about all Brethren denominations tracing their history to the original founding body, who established themselves in 1708 as a new Baptist movement through adult baptism in the Eder River near Schwarzenau, Germany. They were first called Neue Taüfer (new Baptists) to distinguish them from older Anabaptists groups such as the Mennonites and Amish. Presently, this includes seven Brethren denominations: The Brethren Church, Church of the Brethren, Dunkard Brethren Church, Old German Baptist Brethren, Old Order German Baptist Brethren, Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, and Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International. Brethren Encyclopedia is not only a tremendous resource of information and heritage, but also a recognized symbol of unity.

    Educators will appreciate its attention to detail. A splendid reference companion enabling one to reasonably comprehend Brethren practices and beliefs, as well as the gravity of prior denominational issues. Many have written commendable histories of the Brethren movement but none have succeeded in encompassing the vast scope of knowledge to be garnered from each Brethren group. It remained for inspiring voices to call upon their colleagues to shake hands across denominational boundaries, and commit themselves to a monumental project of capturing the essence of Brethrenism in one academic work. The Brethren Encyclopedia is the culmination of that energy. Church of the Brethren Network offers this "unofficial website" to provide a continuous interpretation of that project.