The Exclusive Brethren are a subset of the Christian evangelical movement generally described as the Plymouth Brethren. They are distinguished from the Open Brethren from whom they separated in 1848, the Exclusive Brethren movement subsequently evolving into two main branches. The first branch is generally associated with William Kelly and encompasses a number of historical groups. Their doctrine and practice is similar to that of the early Brethren and they are found throughout the world.