The
Promise is part of the Moravian Church, a worldwide denomination
established in 1457. The name “Moravian” comes from the
church’s place of origin, Moravia, now a part of the Czech
Republic. It is not an ethnic church, but serves people from all
backgrounds and walks of life.
The
Moravians were among the first settlers of Ohio, arriving in 1722 to
share the story of Jesus with the Native Americans.
The
emphasis of the church is on devotion to Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior, the fellowship of Christian believers and the community of
all people. While holding to the great principles and affirmations
of faith common to all Protestant churches, it does not stress a
rigid theology. Rather, it interprets Christianity as a way of life
centered on Christ and his teachings.