The Christian Israelite Church was established in1822 through the work of John Wroe, a native of Yorkshire, England.
We believe that God chose John Wroe as an instrument to shed further light on the Scriptures, revealing the promises made to Abraham and the destiny of the twelve tribes of Israel: the hope of immortality and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth.
The Church’s beginnings were part of the visitation movement — a spiritual revival marked by an outpouring of the Holy Ghost, restoring the understanding of prophecy, the identity of Israel, and the full promises of redemption through Jesus Christ.
John Wroe travelled extensively, preaching across Britain, Europe, and America.
Congregations formed in towns such as Gravesend, London, Lincoln, Sheffield, Bradford, and Huddersfield, and further afield in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Australia.
Ashton-under-Lyne became an important centre for the Church, housing its headquarters and publishing work for many years.
Throughout John Wroe’s lifetime, the Christian Israelite Church flourished, centred on the hope of soul salvation, bodily redemption, and the regathering of Israel under the New Covenant through Christ.
In 1839, the Christian Israelite Church reached Australia, where it has maintained a continuous presence ever since.
Church bodies were established in Sydney, Melbourne, and Singleton, and over time expanded to new locations including Terrigal and Windsor.
Despite challenges and the changing times, the Church in Australia remained committed to its founding message: the law and the gospel together, the hope of bodily preservation, and the calling of Israel’s descendants back to God through Christ.
Following John Wroe’s death in 1863, the Church continued, sustained by the foundations he had laid.
While some groups separated over time, the Christian Israelite Church in Australia remained faithful to the teachings first delivered through the visitation movement:
The fulfilment of prophecy through Jesus Christ,
The salvation of the soul by grace,
The redemption of the body through faith and obedience,
The regathering of Israel under the everlasting covenant.
Even in periods of social change and external challenge, the Church has preserved its mission and message across generations.
Today, the Christian Israelite Church continues to teach the law and the gospel together, proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and preparing for the redemption of spirit, soul, and body at His return.
We hold to the hope of the gathering of Israel and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, according to the promises made from the beginning.
We invite all who seek to understand God’s plan to explore the teachings and the enduring hope entrusted to the Church.
Further historical insights at cichurchhistory.com
