Moravian Origins: 6 Things That Led to Development of Protestant Christian Denomination

The Moravian Protestant denomination is not large in North America, but it has a rich history. Moravian doctrine and work has had an influence throughout the world for hundreds of years. It is a traditional-style church with a long history of mission work, but with only 60,000 North American members.

Here are six things that led to the development of the Moravian Protestant Church:

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1. Location, Location, Location: The Moravian Protestant Church took its name from its place of historical origin. Moravia is an area of the present-day Czech Republic. Two Greek Orthodox missionaries traveled to the area and converted it to Christianity in the mid-ninth century.

2. Cyril and Methodius: These two Greek Orthodox missionaries translated the Bible into the local language of Moravia and established the Christian Church in the area.

3. Early Reformation: A hundred years before Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on a church door in Germany, a leader of the Christian Church in Prague, John Hus urged reforms in Czechoslovakia. He was burned at the stake in 1415 for his views, but raised questions and a reformed spirit for believers in the area.

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4. Unitas Fratrum: By 1457, followers of the ideas of John Hus organized and formed the Unitas Fratrum (Unity of Brethren), which would become the Moravian Church.

5. Persecution: The early church in Moravia was very successful. It had a printing press to provide the Bible in native languages for early followers. It also spread into Poland. Persecution and war sent some refugees to Germany, where they gathered and began their missionary efforts.

6. Settlement in America: The Moravians first had a permanent settlement in America in the 1740s. They established the towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth in Pennsylvania. The church established itself as a frontier-minded church spreading the gospel to many Native Americans.

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