Other1787
Swedenborgian (New Jerusalem Church)
📍 England (organised); Sweden (Swedenborg's origins)
Heaven opened: Swedenborg's visionary theology of correspondences.
Learn moreFree Resource
Denomination Explorer
Christianity is not one tradition. It is a family shaped by centuries of faith, geography, and the many ways people have met God. Explore the full family here. All branches. No judgment.
Other1838
Christadelphian
📍 England / USA
No immortal soul, no Trinity: Bible truth as first-century Christians understood it.
Learn moreOther1747 (England); 1774 (USA)
Shakers (United Society of Believers)
📍 Manchester, England; then New England, USA
Celibacy, communal life, and worship through ecstatic dance and craftsmanship.
Learn moreOther1785
Rappites (Harmonists)
📍 Württemberg, Germany; Pennsylvania and Indiana, USA
German perfectionist communalists who built Harmony, Pennsylvania.
Learn moreOther~1750s
Doukhobors
📍 Russia (Ukraine, Caucasus); emigrated to Canada 1899
Spirit-wrestlers: inner light, pacifism, and rejection of all external authority.
Learn moreOther~1765
Molokans
📍 Volga region and Caucasus, Russia; later California and Armenia
Russian milk-drinkers: Bible alone, no clergy, no fasting rules.
Learn moreOther1945
United Pentecostal Church International (Oneness)
📍 Hazelwood, Missouri, USA
Jesus Only: one God, baptism in Jesus's name, and the fullness of the Spirit.
Learn moreOther1863
New Apostolic Church
📍 Hamburg, Germany
The restored apostolic office: a living Chief Apostle as God's mouthpiece on earth.
Learn moreOther~1884–1910 (various founders)
African Zionist / Independent Churches (AICs)
📍 South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, East Africa
The largest African Christian movement: Spirit, healing, prophecy, and indigenous worship.
Learn moreOther1848
Exclusive Brethren (Plymouth Brethren II / PBCC)
📍 England (J.N. Darby's breakaway from Plymouth)
Absolute separation: no fellowship, eating, or worship with those outside the circle.
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Shakers (United Society of Believers)
Other1747 (England); 1774 (USA)
📍 Manchester, England; then New England, USA
🌍 Fewer than 5 remaining members (effectively extinct)
Origin
The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing (Shakers) emerged from English Quakers under Ann Lee (1736–1784), who became their spiritual leader. 'Mother Ann' emigrated to America in 1774, establishing communal settlements. Shakers believed Ann Lee embodied the female expression of the Christ spirit, practised celibacy, held all property in common, and were renowned for craftsmanship and ecstatic worship.
Core beliefs
- Ann Lee as the female Christ - the second incarnation of the Christ spirit
- Celibacy as the highest spiritual state (hence the community's near-extinction)
- Communal living and full equality of the sexes
- Confession of sins to elders
- Pacifism and manual labour as acts of worship
Worship style
Ecstatic worship originally included shaking, speaking in tongues, and circle dances - the origin of the name 'Shakers.' Later evolved into more ordered hymn-singing and marching. Famous for simplicity and excellence in furniture, architecture, and music.
Key scriptures
- Matthew 19:12
- Acts 2:44–45
- Galatians 3:28
- 1 Corinthians 7:32–34
Relationship to other denominations
Originated from radical Quakerism; outside mainstream Christianity. Historically significant for communal life, gender equality, and American arts and craftsmanship.