The Dunkers, a Protestant church founded in Germany in 1708, believe in adult baptism and oppose warfare and slavery. They are strongest in the US, particularly Pennsylvania, and are often active in their communities. They have several official branches and meet annually at the World Assembly of Brethren.
The Dunker or Schwarzenau brothers are members of a branch of the Protestant church founded in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany. The term “Dunkers” is actually a slang word that has been applied by other people, referring to their baptismal practices; some members of this Christian sect find the term “Dunkers” offensive, together with the related “Dunkards” or “Tunkers”. This church is strongest in the United States, where many members fled persecution in Germany.
Like other churches that arose in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, the Dunkers do not believe in infant baptism. Instead, they believe that baptism should be undertaken in adulthood, as a personal affirmation and expression of faith. The Neue Täufer, or “New Baptists,” as they were originally called, believe in trine baptism, which involves fully immersing someone three times, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This has led to widespread mockery and the nickname “Dunkers” for adherents of this sect.
The Dunkers are also a peaceful church, which has particularly opposed warfare and slavery. Their opposition to slavery became an issue during the Civil War when several Dunker churches in the Confederate States were caught in the crossfire between North and South. One Dunker church played a notable role in particular at the Battle of Antietam; battlefield visitors today can enter the simple church that served as a battlefield, hospital, and meeting place for the establishment of a treaty.
Along with other Protestant sects, the Dunkers believe the Bible is the ultimate religious authority and place a strong emphasis on personal faith and expressions of devotion ranging from volunteering in their communities to honoring their family members. Adherents also believe in universal salvation and, like other peace churches, are often very active in their communities, offering assistance to both Dunkers and non-Dunkers in times of need.
Pennsylvania still has a fairly large population of adherents of this church, as many settled there after leaving Germany. They can also be found in the American Northeast, Midwest, and South, often settling in close-knit communities where they can live simple, godly lives in fellowship with other members of the Schwarzenau brothers. There are a number of official branches of this church, all of which include “Brethren” in their title somewhere, and they meet each year at the World Assembly of Brethren.
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