Brotherhood
The oneness of God’s creation and the understanding that we belong to one family in our Creator.
YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE
New to BCS?
You're welcome here.
A thoughtful first step into Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.
Whether you are curious about our beliefs, preparing to visit a Bethel, or looking for a place to begin, this guide will help you explore at your own pace.
Love · Faith · Hope · Oneness
FIRST-TIME VISITOR GUIDE
Your first steps,
made simple.
- 01Get to know BCSOur identity and mission
- 02Understand our worshipBeliefs, traditions and practices
- 03Plan your first visitWhat to expect at a Bethel
- 04Stay connectedFind answers and fellowship
ONE FAMILY · ONE FATHER
A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN
Whatever brings you here,
Whatever brings you here,
there is a place to start.
You do not have to know everything before exploring. Choose the question or next step that matters to you most.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Who are we?
Explore the meaning of our name, our identity and the message of oneness.
Discover our identity 02 / EXPERIENCEWhat is worship like?
Learn about the practices you may encounter during a visit to a BCS Bethel.
Prepare for a visit 03 / CONNECTWhere can I visit?
Find an approved Bethel listing, explore available details and plan your journey.
Find a Bethel
UNDERSTANDING BROTHERHOOD
Three words.
Three words.
One shared calling.
In the teachings of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, our name reflects the life we are called to live: united in God, patient in love and guided by His light.
Read the full explanationLove, faith, hope and oneness find expression in the way we relate to God, one another and all creation.
A short introduction to the BCS messageCross
Patient endurance, forgiveness and bearing one another’s burdens in a Christlike spirit.
Star
The brightness and peace of God and the promise of His everlasting Kingdom.
OUR BELIEF AND MISSION
A message of righteousness, love and unity.
BCS describes itself as the New Kingdom of God on Earth — a divine order of life guided by the teachings of the Holy Father, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu.
The official About BCS page presents the Holy Father’s mission as establishing the Kingdom of God, teaching truth, transforming mankind and judging every person according to their works.
YOUR FIRST BETHEL VISIT
What can you expect?
If you are attending for the first time, these simple pointers may help you feel more comfortable.
STEP 01
Before you go
Use the approved directory to locate a Bethel. Contact it to confirm meeting times and ask about attire or accessibility needs.
Find a BethelSTEP 02
When you arrive
You may hear “Peace” as a greeting. Introduce yourself as a visitor and ask someone locally where you may sit or how to follow the service.
About our greetingSTEP 03
During worship
You may encounter hymns, Bible readings, prayer, kneeling and bowing. Follow the service respectfully; ask questions after the appropriate moment.
Explore worship guidanceSTEP 04
After the service
If you would like to understand something further, speak with a Leader's Representative or explore the official guidance resources on this website.
Get in touchA helpful note on clothing: White garments, called soutanes, are part of BCS worship practice. The Brotherhood Index instructs that a person should not be displaced from their seat merely because they are not dressed in white. If you need advice for your visit, ask the local Bethel beforehand.
Learn moreDISCOVER OUR WAY OF WORSHIP
A few things you may notice.
These practices are explained more fully in the official doctrine and handbook. Follow the links to explore the teachings in their proper context.
White garments
The white soutane signifies purity.
Explore the teaching ↗Kneeling & reverence
Bowing in worship expresses honour and thanksgiving to God.
Explore the teaching ↗Hymns & singing
Praise is offered with voices rather than musical instruments.
Explore the teaching ↗The Love Feast
A sacred expression of remembrance and fellowship.
Explore the teaching ↗YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWEREDIt's natural
It's natural
to be curious.
Here are some of the questions people ask when discovering BCS for the first time. Each answer points towards the relevant published guidance.
Ask another question01What does BCS stand for?
BCS stands for Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. The names Brotherhood, Cross and Star convey oneness in God, patient endurance and forgiveness, and the light of God’s Kingdom. The About BCS page explains each expression in more detail.
Understand our identity02What is a Bethel?
A Bethel is a place where BCS brethren gather for worship and fellowship. If you would like to visit, the Find a Bethel directory helps you locate approved public listings and available contact details.
Find a Bethel near you03What if I do not have a white soutane?
White garments, known as soutanes, have a particular meaning in BCS teaching. The published Brotherhood Index also instructs that someone should not be driven from their place in a Bethel simply because they are not wearing white. For your first visit, contact the local Bethel if you are unsure what to wear.
Read about white garments04Why do members greet one another with “Peace”?
Peace is a characteristic BCS greeting, drawn from the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is an expression of goodwill and unity.
Explore the teaching on greetings05Why do brethren kneel and bow during worship?
The BCS doctrine describes kneeling and bowing the forehead to the ground as an act of reverence, honour and thanksgiving to God. When visiting, follow the direction of the person conducting the service or ask a local host for guidance.
Learn about reverence in worship06Why is the singing different from some other worship services?
BCS teaching describes praise with the voice rather than musical instruments during worship. You may hear hymns and spiritual songs sung by the congregation and choirs.
Explore the doctrine on music07What is the Love Feast?
The Love Feast is explained in BCS doctrine as a sacred expression of fellowship and remembrance of Christ. Its observance is described in the Handbook and the relevant orders of service.
Read about the Love Feast08Where can I read more before attending?
Begin with About BCS and Our Doctrine. The BCS Handbook and Brotherhood Index provide detailed guidance on worship and services. The official site-wide search also lets you explore a topic across public website resources.
Read the BCS HandbookKEEP EXPLORING
Go a little deeper.
01 / OUR IDENTITY
About BCS
Who we are, the meaning of our name, and the mission of the Holy Father.
Read more 02 / OUR BELIEFSOur Doctrine
Foundational teachings and explanations of Brotherhood worship practices.
Read more 03 / OUR GUIDANCEBCS Handbook
Detailed guidance on fellowship, worship and daily spiritual life.
Read more 04 / OUR SERVICESBrotherhood Index
Guide to Uniformity and reference orders for Brotherhood services.
Read more 05 / OUR RESOURCESE-Library
Explore available approved books, publications and other reading materials.
Read more 06 / FIND AN ANSWERSearch the Website
Look up a topic across the official BCS public website from one place.
Search nowWHEN YOU ARE READY
There is more to discover together.
Find a Bethel, ask a question or continue reading. Your next step is yours to choose.