The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a Protestant denomination that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States. It was founded by leaders such as Thomas Campbell and Alexander Campbell, who sought to promote Christian unity and restore the practices of the early church. The denomination emphasizes the importance of baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper as central elements of worship. Disciples of Christ congregations are known for their commitment to inclusivity and social justice. They encourage individual interpretation of the Bible and value the priesthood of all believers, meaning that every member has a role in ministry. The church is part of the broader Restoration Movement, which aims to unify Christians across different denominations.