Quick Facts About the Moravian Church

Oldest Protestant church
One worldwide Moravian Church called the Unitas Fratrum or simply the Unity
Three orders of ministry: Bishops, presbyters, deacons
Four provinces in North America: Southern, Northern (includes Canada), Alaska, Labrador
About 60,000 members in North America; 19,000 in the Southern Province
About one million Moravians in the world, mostly Africa
Pioneers in Protestant missions; noted for being culturally sensitive
Emphasis on using native languages; often produced grammars, dictionaries
Focus on Christian life rather than doctrinal disputes
Uses Apostles and Nicene Creeds
Justification by grace through faith, but faith is completed in love
Liturgical, but congregations have freedom to develop own style of worship
Two sacraments: baptism (infants) and Holy Communion
Conferential government: Synods, Provincial Elders Conference, local boards
Ecumenical and irenic (peace-makers, not dividers)
First published hymnal 1505
Contributed many hymns to Protestantism
High musical culture in colonial America: voice, organ, brass, woodwinds, and strings in worship
Some of the best composers in early America were Moravian
Moravian Music Festivals promote Moravian compositions past and present