Group of churches which originated early in the 19th century for "greater freedom from ecclesiastical domination, and a closer affiliation of men and women of different creeds and lines of belief." In 1864 at Terre Haute, Indiana, a general convention was attended by delegates from the various states and the following principles were adopted:
The movement, which spread rapidly, had among its leaders J. F. Given, J. V. B. Flack, and Ira Norris. Local organizations are now known by various names; in the Middle West, where the movement began, the original name, The Christian Union, is still retained, while farther west the names Church of Christ, and Church of Christ in Christian Union, are employed. Although differing in name these organizations are affiliated and recognize each other as part of the same general movement. They publish one periodical. In 1925 in the United States there were: 386 ministers; 323 churches; and 17,800 communicants.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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