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By
the term "Middle Way", Schwenckfeld meant the Spiritual Way; Christ,
the Way, the Truth, the Life; the way which maintained and stressed
the supremacy of the spirit over the letter, the spirituality of
the Christian religion over literalism and externalism. This "Middle
Way" was branded as visionary and fanatical by his contemporary
reformers. Vehement persecution impelled him to resort to the pen
almost exclusively. He became a prolific writer of books, letters
and discourses on religious subjects in an endeavor to aid in saving
the Reformation from drifting into an intolerant orthodoxy. A 19-volume
edition of his works, collected from libraries in Europe and co-believers
in America, appeared in print, 1907-1961, as the Corpus Schwenckfeldianorum.
His followers were relentlessly and bitterly persecuted by the orthodox
churches and ultimately 180 Schwenkfelders, exiled from Silesia,
emigrated to Pennsylvania. They landed at Philadelphia, September
22, 1734, affirmed their allegiance to the crown of Great Britain
on the 23rd and the following day, held a service of Thanksgiving
to God for their deliverance from persecution and safe arrival in
the New World. Annually since then, the Schwenkfelders have
observed a day of remembrance and thanksgiving (Gedaechtnisz Tag).
The first steps toward organization were taken after fifty years
of pioneer life in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 1782
the Society of Schwenkfelders was formed, which society was the
forerunner of the present day Schwenkfelder Church.
The church was incorporated in 1909, in order "to form a more perfect
ecclesiastical organization having jurisdiction over the various
departments subsidiary to it, and also to systematize and centralize
the holding of Trust Funds." The General Conference of the Schwenkfelder
Church is a voluntary association of the Schwenkfelder Churches
at Palm, Worcester, Lansdale, Norristown, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The total membership of these churches is approximately 2800+.
Their active interest in Christian Missions has been constant. They
practice adult baptism, dedication of children, and observe the
Lord's Supper regularly with open communion. The members do
not wear distinctive dress. They accept public office and serve
in the armed forces of their country when called. The Schwenkfelder
churches teach and believe firmly in the right, privilege and obligations
of individual conscience in this and other matters of faith and
work. If one of our members, or many, takes the position of conscientious
objection to war and are also consistently in good standing within
their church, then they are also within the historic tradition and
witness of this denomination. Membership in the Schwenkfelder churches
is open to all Christian believers without regard for race, color,
nationality, or socioeconomic position. The Schwenkfelder Churches
carry on their work in the traditions, thought and spiritual heritage
of their Reformation leader, Caspar Schwenckfeld von Ossig, and
his spiritual successors. In theology they are Christocentric;
in policy, congregational; in missions, world-minded; in ecclesiastical
organization, ecumenical. The emphasis in all matters is on the
spirit rather than on the letter. New members are received
by baptism after catechetical instruction; by re-profession; and
by letters from other churches.
Services for the worship of God are held on Sundays
throughout the year. Each church fosters a Church School for
instruction in the Bible, worship, and service. The schools support
the work of the district and county associations and the Pennsylvania
Council of Christian Education. Since the Schwenkfelder Church
has no publishing house of its own, the schools are free to choose
their materials from various publishers in the field. Graded
instruction, trained teachers and good music are ideals held before
all the schools. The ministry is recruited from graduates
of colleges, universities, and accredited theological seminaries.
Each church fosters one, two, or three youth fellowship groups.
These meet regularly and are affiliated with the United Schwenkfelder
Youth Fellowship. Each church has several service organizations.
All support choirs or choruses. Several of the churches have Boy
and Girl Scout troops meeting in their buildings. Various groups
for study and activity are provided for adults in addition to regular
church school classes. In each of their communities the churches
have been noted for leadership ecumenical concerns through ministerial
associations, community service and action groups, councils of Christian
Education and other agencies.
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