Plymouth Brethren

Plymouth Brethren, Christian sect founded in Dublin in the 1820s. The first church to be organized (1831) in England was at Plymouth. The movement rejected the formal ritual of the established church and preached the second coming of Christ. Churches soon appeared throughout the British dominions; in some parts of the continent of Europe, particularly France, Switzerland, and Italy; and in the United States. The British clergyman John Nelson Darby became the most prominent leader of the sect, and the Brethren on the continent of Europe were generally known as Darbyites. The Brethren believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible and have no ordained, salaried clergy. They prefer to be called simply Believers, Christian Brethren, or Brethren.