The independent Christian churches are distinct in sharing the Restoration Movement heritage while refusing any denominational organization, so that each congregation is fully self governing.
The independent Christian churches and churches of Christ are congregations of the Restoration Movement that separated from the Disciples of Christ during the twentieth century, largely over missionary societies and denominational structure. They commonly use instrumental music in worship, unlike the a cappella Churches of Christ. Cooperation among them runs through voluntary agencies, colleges, and conventions such as the North American Christian Convention, which began in 1927.
Sources
Primary
- Thomas Campbell, Declaration and Address (1809), the founding document of the Restoration Movement from which these congregations descend
Secondary
- James Deforest Murch, Christians Only: A History of the Restoration Movement (1962)