What does the name “Christadelphian” mean?
In order to register as conscientious objectors in the American Civil War, early members of our movement were asked to take an identifying name. Both the English expression “Brethren in Christ” (taken from Colossians 1:2) and the one-word equivalent “Christadelphian” were chosen. The name “Christadelphian” is formed from three Greek roots: Christos (Christ), adelphoi (brethren) and the ending -ianos. The name can be compared to others like “Christian” (one belonging to Christ) and “Philadelphia” (city of brotherly love). Both the names “Christadelphian” and “Brethren in Christ” are used in our community around the world, with the term “Christadelphian” being more common in English-speaking countries.
The community adopted the name Christadelphian in the latter half of the 19th century. The name is a compilation of two greek words and means, “Brethren in Christ”. Christadelphians are to be found in countries all over the world. They are bound together by a common faith in the Gospel preached by Christ and his apostles in the first century. It was this faith and its appeal to men and women from all walks of life which brought the community into existence.
