The Exclusive Brethren |
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Within the U.K. most Brethren churches are 'Open Brethren'. There is, however, another, separate group, known as the 'Exclusive Brethren'. |
| In the early days of the 'Plymouth Brethren' movement, the movement divided, because a member who had been excommunicated from one fellowship, was allowed to take communion in another. Those who believed this was unacceptable followed the lead of J N Darby and became known as 'Darbyites', and later as 'Exclusive Brethren'. |  |
The Exclusive Brethren meeting rooms have no windows. |
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In most of their main beliefs, Exclusive Brethren are the same as other Christians. However, their emphasis on the verse 'Let every one who names the name of the Lord withdraw from iniquity' (The Bible, 2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 19) has led them to live their lives as separately as possible. They believe everyone who does not follow their beliefs to be iniquitous, and therefore to be avoided as far as possible, and especially to be excluded from 'Breaking Bread' (Communion). These quotes are from the 'Darby' translation of the Bible, which they invariably use. This chart lists some of the differences between 'Exclusive' and 'Open' Brethren. |
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Exclusive Brethren |
Open Brethren |
| Non-members are excluded from sharing in the 'Breaking of Bread' (Communion) service. | The communion service is open for all practicing Christians. |
| Members do not worship with other Christians, and there is no contact between Exclusive Brethren 'Assemblies' and other denominations. | Churches and individuals often work and worship with other churches and members of other Christian groups, e.g. as Members of the 'Evangelical Alliance' and 'Christians Together'. |
| Assemblies are all connected together, and must follow exactly the same doctrines and practices. Assemblies in an area (e.g. in a city, or within 30 miles) often work together as group, with one recognised leader. There is one recognised leader of the whole world-wide group. | Churches are independent and led by their own members. There can be great variation in practice (though not usually in core doctrines) between different Open Brethren churches. |
| Exclusive Brethren practise 'Household Baptism': this means that all members of a household are baptised, including babies (a complex doctrine, partially based on The Bible, Acts chapter 16 verses 31-33). The ritual is conducted in the house. | Open Brethren practise 'Believer's Baptism'. |
| Members will not mix socially with non-members. Families are divided if members leave the Assembly. It is especially important not to eat with non-members, who are viewed as 'iniquitous' (The Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 11). Members do not accept employment from non-members. | Members are encouraged to befriend all, whether or not they are Christians. |
| The media is viewed as 'iniquitous', under the authority of the devil 'the ruler of the authority of the air' (The Bible, Ephesians chapter 2 verse 2). Therefore, members are not allowed to have radio, TV, newspapers, computers, go to the cinema, or listen to 'worldly' music. | Members are free to follow their individual conscience. |
| Members may be recognised by a dress code, in which ladies (and girls) wear their hair long with a small headscarf. Men are always clean shaven, and do not wear ties. | No dress code. |
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