World Convention of Churches of Christ

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The World Convention of Churches of Christ is a Christian world communion that links an international family of churches known by a range of names including Christian Churches, Churches of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The first World Convention was held in Washington, U.S. in 1930. Jesse Bader was instrumental in its formation. The convention continues to organise international gatherings every four years and facilitate communication between these events. The 2008 convention will be held in Nashville, United States.

The churches who participate all grew out of the 19th Century Restoration Movement with origins in both the United Kingdom (with leaders such as William Jones and James Wallis) and the United States of America (with leaders such as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell). Congregations participating in the convention come from more than 178 countries and represent a range of beliefs and practices.^[1]

In keeping with much of the movement's focus on ecumenism it highlights both the features it has in common with the wider Christian Church and unique gifts it has to offer the whole church.

Former General Secretaries of the World Convention of Churches of Christ Lorraine & Lyndsay Jacobs list these major distinctive characteristics:^[2]