Christian Union (denomination)

Given, who quickly became a martyr for Democrats and those opposed to radical Abolitionism, began a newspaper called The Christian Witness "in the interest of pure religion — Christianity free from all superstition, cant and sectarianism; of good Morals; of sound Education and Knowledge; of Genuine Benevolence; of the Great Principles of American Liberty; and, in short, of whatever may subserve a Noble Manhood, or contribute to Public Happiness and Prosperity.

Aside from opposing the political preaching common during the height of the Civil War, founders also objected to the forbidding of laymen to interpret the Bible or freely practice/participate in the Lord's Supper, baptism, and foot washing.

Given, Dr. John Van Buren Flack of Illinois,[5] G. W. Mitchell, and Dr. Jerry Clevenger provided leadership in the early growth of the denomination, each of whom were Methodists with either "peace Democrat" tendencies or a disdain for ecclesiastical involvement in political affairs.

In 1995, the denomination reported 114 churches and 6,000 members, with missions work in Africa, Mexico, Liberia and Columbia, as well as the U.S. state of Alaska.

[8] There were several attempts at secession in the early history of the Christian Union, many of which were by former Methodists with a goal to introduce a systematic Wesleyan theology and catechism.

[9] Another schism, which resulted in the creation of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union denomination, took place in 1909 when a handful of ministers and about 60 lay people left.