Moravian

A Protestant denomination with evangelical beliefs stressing a Christ-centered philosophy and advocating non-violence. The Moravians believe strongly in missionary activity and, because hymns are important to Moravian worship, they printed the first Protestant hymnal in 1501. Its roots are found in an association of Brethren in Bohemia in 1457; this group was driven out of Bohemia in 1722 and they reformed in Saxony under the name 'Moravian.' The movement spread across Europe where it was influenced by pietism and later, in 1732, it was established in North America, where most of its current members reside.