CHURCH OF CHRIST. - Under this name are included two Protestant sects, namely: 1) C. di C. Scientista, better known by the name of Christian Science, founded by Mary Eddy Baker (v.); 2) C. di C. Santità (Holiness). This was founded by Dr. C. P. Jones, a Baptist pastor in the state of Alabama (United States), who, dissatisfied with his sect, sought a new faith that would make him “one of the true children of Wisdom” and, like Abraham, “one of the friends of God.” After fasting and praying, he went to Jackson in the State of Mississippi, where he convened a “Holiness” meeting. At first it had an interdenominational tendency, but it soon developed into a new sect through union with several other similar groups from Virginia and North Carolina. It called itself the “National Convention of the C. di C., Holiness,” and more briefly the “C. di C., Holiness” (Church of Christ, Holiness).
This sect insists, like certain others that have added the name “Holiness,” on justification and sanctity; it believes in original sin and in the gifts of the Holy Spirit; it admits only baptism by immersion and practises the washing of feet. Supreme authority resides in the general council, presided over by five bishops or superintendents, of whom the eldest is president. It has approximately 5,000 adherents.