Christadelphians celebrate Easter minus the fanfare of many religious groups
Special Writer
Royal Oak — As Christians throughout the world celebrate the Easter resurrection of Jesus with great pomp and fanfare this Sunday, the Christadelphians of North Detroit will meet faithfully for their weekly memorial in an “ecclesia” void of pictures, statues, crosses or religious symbols of any kind.
“Ecclesia” is a Greek term meaning “the people,” explains Andrew Muniz, who was born into the denomination.
And with no minister to lead them, “the people,” numbering about 120, pack the small hall at 3022 N. Main in Royal Oak.
As their name implies, the Christadelphians are a community of Christian believers. It is there, however, that the similarity with most other Christian denominations ends.
“Dr. John Thomas (an English physician) rediscovered the truth in the late 1800’s and is primarily responsible for the starting point of the Christadelphian community as we know it today,” explains Muniz of the Christadelphians’ origins.
Today, the Christadelphians, or Brethren in Christ, can be found both nationwide and worldwide.
They accept no creeds, no clergy, and no theological writings or documents other than the Bible. Christadelphians also reject the doctrine of the trinity, which Muniz says reflects former pagan theology.
One of three congregations in the metro Detroit area, the Royal Oak brothers and sisters branched off from the Livonia ecclesia in 1981 with a mere 11 members. After meeting in Clawson for five years, they purchased their current building in north Royal Oak.
Only 48 baptized members constitute the Royal Oak group; the others consist of children or non-members who are currently pursuing baptism.
Where do the non-members come from?
“Our own example in the workplace and our own surroundings — that is part of our preaching effort,” says John Betteley, an original member of the congregation who serves as arranging brother.
Other people see their example and pursue the faith, which is based solely on the Bible, says Betteley.
Brothers and sisters follow a Bible reading schedule, which takes them through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice within a one-year period.
“This ties us together,” says Betteley. “We’re all reading the same thing, which becomes a basis for our (sermon).”
Members are “a warm, friendly, compassionate group,” says Muniz, who serves as both proclamation and arranging brother. “They’re independent thinkers. They enjoy learning.”
Every member has to contribute to service,” he adds. “We wear multiple hats here.”
Voting members delegate two-year terms for Sunday School superintendent, arranging brethren, and recording, assistant recording, finance and proclamation brothers.
“Arranging brethren review affairs of the ecclesia in terms of current welfare matters, finance, outreach projects, building projects and inter-ecclesial activities,” says Muniz.
Others in the lay community assume ecclesial duties on a rotating basis, with men serving as Bible teachers, sermon-givers, public lecturers, and presiders of the memorial service.
For the Christadelphians, says Muniz, “Our biggest challenge is continuing to live our lives the way that Christ lived his. We must keep the congregation encouraged and solid in the way of Christ.”
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