World Convention of Churches of Christ

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The World Convention of Churches of Christ is a Christian world communion that links an international familiy of churches known by a range of names including Christian Churches, Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ. The first World Convention was held in Washington, USA in 1930. Jesse Bader was instramental in its formation. The convention continues to organise international gatherings each four years and facilitate communication between these events. The 2008 convention will be held in Nashville, USA

The churches who participate all grew out of the 19th Century Restoration Movement with origins in both the United Kingdom (with leaders such as William Jones and James Wallis) and the United States of America (with leaders such as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell). Congregations participating in the convention come from more than 178 countries and represent a range of beliefs and practices.^[1]

In keeping with much of the movment's focus on ecumenism it highlights both the features it has in common with the wider Christian Church and unique gifts it has to offer the whole church.

Former General Secretaries of the World Convention of Churches of Christ Lorraine & Lyndsay Jacobs list ten major distinctive characteristics:

     1. A concern for Christian Unity
     2. A commitment to Evangelism and Mission
     3. An emphasis on the centrality of the New Testament
     4. A simple Confession of Faith
     5. Believers' Baptism
     6. Weekly Communion
     7. A Biblical Name
     8. Congregational autonomy
     9. Lay Leadership
     10. Diversity/Freedom/Liberty [2]

[edit] References

1. ^ http://worldconvention.org/
2. ^ http://worldconvention.org/characteristicsofourchurches.htm