the christians or 'christins' as Earl James said they should be called are a long established family on the Island with links in Ireland and in Cumbria (from where Fletcher originated) - try Mrs Hicks Beach 'The Yesterdays behind the Door' 1st pub 1952

Returning to Earl James his comments:
3. There be many of the Christians in this country—that is, Christins, [for that is] the true name; but they have made themselves chief here. Wherefore, if a better name could be found, they would likely pretend unto it. I pray God they be Christians indeed, and honest men; for then it matters not how many be of a name. And I advise you, if a name fancy you not because some so called have offended you, yet let it not be a rule to hate the persons of those you know not, because some of their kin have heretofore displeased you, after the manner of the feud in Scotland.

4. But it is not so much that so many be called Christians as that by policy they are crept into the principal places of power; and they be seated round about the country, and in the heart of it; they are matched with the best families; have the best livings [that is, farms]; and must not be neglected.

and talking about Edmund Christian (uncle to Illiam Dhone)

And once one, in a pleasant humour, said he thought the Deemster did not get so many bastards for lust's sake, as in policy, to make the name of the Christians flourish