Moravian Church Settlements Worldwide
Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem is proud to be part of the Moravian Church Settlements, inscribed as a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024. This historic designation links Bethlehem with sister Moravian communities in Gracehill, Northern Ireland; Herrnhut, Germany; and Christiansfeld, Denmark — recognizing the global impact of Moravian architecture, culture, and faith.
As an active congregation for more than 280 years, we are thrilled to see our historic buildings and living ministry recognized on the world stage alongside iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon.
The Bethlehem Settlement and Sites
Established in Pennsylvania in 1741, Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem exemplifies the early expansion of the Moravians’ global mission. This designation also highlights our cultural interactions with Native Americans. The site reflects the Church’s spiritual, societal, and ethical values, as seen in its town planning and community layout, the unique God’s Acre cemetery, and the Civic Baroque architectural style of Moravian settlements.
Today, Moravians continue to uphold the Church’s practices and traditions as vibrant expressions of our heritage.
To learn more about our international connection, visit moravianchurchsettlements.org
Continue Exploring
Discover the specific locations included in Bethlehem’s World Heritage Site.
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