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The '''Plymouth Brethren''' or '''Christian Brethren''' is a small Protestant denomination which arose in Britain the 1820s with the goal of returning to the beliefs and practices of the New Testament church. The denomination is loosely organized; the two main groupings are the "Open Brethren" and "Exclusive Brethren", which refers to Communion practice.

The '''Plymouth Brethren''' or '''Christian Brethren''' are a small Protestant denomination which arose in Britain the 1820s with the goal of returning to the beliefs and practices of the New Testament church. The denomination is loosely organized; the two main groupings are the "Open Brethren" and "Exclusive Brethren", which refers to Communion practice.

The Plymouth Brethren are best known for devising the theory of [[Dispensationalism]], especially as formulated by Anglican priest [[John Nelson Darby]], the founder of the "Exclusive" grouping. This theory became a core belief of [[Fundamentalism]] in the 20th century.  

They are best known for devising the theory of [[Dispensationalism]], especially as formulated by Anglican priest [[John Nelson Darby]], the founder of the "Exclusive" grouping. This theory became a core belief of [[Fundamentalism]] in the 20th century.  

In 2005 the denomination, now known as the "Christian Brethren" reported 86,000 members and 600 clergy in the United States. They do not ordain their clergy.  It operates Emmaus Collge in Dubuque, Iowa.  There are about 100,000 members in Britain.

In 2005 the denomination, now known as the "Christian Brethren" reported 86,000 members and 600 clergy in the United States. They do not ordain their clergy.  It operates Emmaus Collge in Dubuque, Iowa.  There are about 100,000 members in Britain.