WH Mennonite activities
- Active Pacifism- the belief that any violence, including war, is unjustifiable under any circumstances, and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.
- Basic beliefs of Mennonites are based on Jesus Christ’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount
- The Anabaptist Confession of Schleitheim. These basic beliefs include
- shunning oaths,
- adult baptisms,
- foot washing,
- church discipline (excommunication), and separation from world
- The Schleitheim Confession, drafted in 1527 by early Anabaptist leaders (like Michael Sattler) in Schleitheim, Switzerland, was the first unified statement defining their radical reformation beliefs, focusing on practical church life over abstract theology, emphasizing believer’s baptism, church discipline (the ban), separation from the world, non-resistance (no violence or magistrate roles), and no oaths, establishing core principles for groups like Mennonites and Amish to differentiate themselves and maintain unity.
People of Mennonite ancestry or background
Sandra Birdsell, Canadian poet.
Di Brandt, Canadian poet.
Greg Brenneman, former CEO of Burger King.
Dyan Cannon, American actress, father Ben Friesen was of Mennonite ancestry.
Arthur Compton, physicist, 1927 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the Compton Effect.
Mennonites are a global Anabaptist Christian movement, with over 2 million baptized members in about 87 countries, though two-thirds live outside North America, particularly in Africa (DR Congo, Ethiopia), Asia (India, Indonesia, Taiwan), and Latin America (Mexico, Bolivia), alongside significant populations in the United States and Canada. They range from Old Order groups with traditional lifestyles to mainline members integrated into modern society, emphasizing faith, service, peace, and community, with diverse practices and expressions worldwide.
Global Presence & Demographics
Significant Growth in the Global South: The majority of Mennonites today are African, Asian, or Latin American, with rapid growth in the Global South.
Major Regions: Key areas include Africa (DR Congo, Ethiopia), Asia (India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines), North America (USA, Canada), and Latin America (Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay).
European Roots: The movement originated in 16th-century Europe (Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany) and still exists there, though in smaller numbers.
Diversity in Practice
Old Order/Conservative: Groups like Old Order Mennonites maintain distinct plain dress, simple living, and limited technology.
Mainline/Progressive: Many Mennonites are indistinguishable in dress from the general population, focusing on service, justice, and global development.
Key Activities & Focus
Service & Relief: Known for global disaster relief (Mennonite Disaster Service, Mennonite Central Committee) and development work.
Peace & Justice: Active in peacebuilding, social justice, and conflict resolution (Christian Peacemaker Teams).
Examples of National Churches/Conferences
Mennonite Church USA & Canada
Church of Christ in Congo – Mennonite Community
Meserete Kristos Church (Eritrea)
United Muria Christian Churches (Indonesia)