Bohemian Brethren, a name frequently given to a remnant of the Hussites, who in 1467 organized a separate brotherhood in Bohemia and who continued to the present day under the name Moravian Brethren (officially Unitas Fratrum). At the beginning of their history they held so many principles similar to the later Anabaptists (rejection of war, violence, and the oath, discipleship of Christ, strict discipline, the Bible as sole authority) that Ludwig Keller thought there was a historical connection, which however has never been proved and is most doubtful. The Hutterites are not to be confused with them. Peter Chelčický (d. ca. 1460), a forerunner of the group, an exceptionally fine leader, was very close in his views to the later Anabaptists.

See also Moravian Church

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 383. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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