courrier correo 2012 / 2 &3 www.mwc-cmm.org courier Conférence Mennonite Mondiale Mennonite World Conference Congreso Mundial Menonita

Koinonia—the gift we hold 2 together

The leadership 4 model of Jesus

Four Commissions, 11 one heartbeat

Service and mission 14 networks join hands

Cradling Anabaptism in 16 Europe today

People and 26 faces of MWC

Praying for 6 Exploring roots, pursuing mission 28 each other General Council 2012 General Council 2012

Koinonia —the gift we hold together Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld Photo by Merle Good What does it mean for member churches of Rebecca Osiro of Kenya shares a chuckle with Linda Shelley of the United Mennonite World Conference to share an Anabaptist States at the May General Council sesssions in Switzerland. Shelley was identity? What is the value of Anabaptist “tradi- one of 30 volunteer and staff interpreters who made the sessions tion”—and what does that word mean in a global accessible in French, Spanish and Portuguese. context? What are our Anabaptist understandings of mission and fellowship? Three years ago, the newly appointed Faith and Life Commission was asked to produce three papers that could be used in helping MWC communities reflect on such questions. The papers were presented to the MWC General Council in May (see pages 6–12 for reports): “A Holistic Understanding of Fellowship, Worship, Service, and Witness from an Anabaptist Perspective” by Alfred Neufeld Friesen of Paraguay; “Revisiting Our Vision: The Anabaptist Vision,” by Hanspeter Jecker of Switzerland; and “Koinonia — The Gift We Hold Together” by Tom Yoder Neufeld of Canada. The papers are being edited into a final form as teaching resource. Beginning with this issue, we share them in Courier-Correo- Courrier. The following is an excerpt of Yoder Neufeld’s paper. he word koinonia has rightly As used in the Greek New Testament, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 17; become a central term and concept koinonia and its immediate family of terms Philippians 2). The most material and for Mennonite World Conference. do not lend themselves to precise definition. the most spiritual dimensions are TIn addresses, publications and Sometimes their meanings are very ordinary, celebrated in “communion,” the Lord’s programmatic efforts, leaders have been other times profound to the point of Supper (1 Corinthians 10, 11).* nudging the global Anabaptist community mystery. Together, however, these meanings Koinonia is the biblical name we give to to a deeper relationship with each other. take on force and depth in shaping our the loftiest and the same time the most Even when we don’t use the word koinonia calling to be a community of faith. ordinary and practical of concepts. It is itself, much of the terminology we use The range of meanings extends from found in the nature of the koinonia God depends on it: meeting needs, mutual koinos (ordinary, profane; Acts 10, 11) to gives us, in the incarnation of the Son, and encouragement, gift giving and receiving, koinonia as “sharing” and “partnership,” in the blowing of God’s Spirit. Yet the fellowship, interdependence, solidarity, whether in labour or money (Philippians, most profound dimensions of koinonia are consensus, communion, community, unity, 2 Corinthians 8, 9, Romans 15), and to to be found in the utterly ordinary exercise being “together.” “solidarity” with each other in times of of it in our communion with God and in need (Romans12:13). Going far beyond the body of Christ. Koinonia is an Cover: Thioro Bananzoro of our ability to comprehend, we are invited identity-giving, life-shaping, commitment- Burkina Faso and Marsha to participate in the koinonia of the forging, and action-provoking gift of God. Ragoonath from Trinidad and Tobago pray together before Courier / Correo / Courrier (ISSN 1041-4436) is published quarterly by Mennonite World Con fer- Courier, 1251 Virginia communion at the conclusion of the Avenue, Harrisonburg VA 22802-2434 USA. Periodical postage paid at Harrisonburg VA. MWC General Council meetings. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, 1251 Virginia Avenue, Photo by Merle Good Harrisonburg VA 22802

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We receive it with Christ standing among the question. Paul recognizes us and his Spirit enabling us to both that these issues are a test of receive and exercise this gift. the koinonia of believers with God and each other. He insists Koinonia in MWC: that Roman believers not Photo by Merle Good violate each other’s efforts at both reality and goal faithfulness. They must find a In a 2010 article entitled “Diversity: way, precisely as those whom Blessing, curse, or call to communion?” God has welcomed, who Larry Miller correctly identified it as the together share one Lord reality undergirding our life together, (14:1-6; 15:7)—to grant each but also as a goal toward which we are other such space and freedom. moving. While the specific terminology of koinonia is not employed by Pakisa Diversity: the Tshimika and Tim Lind in their Sharing Gifts in the Global Family of Faith, it is noisy place of new clear that “global gift sharing” perfectly creation captures many of the dimensions of Such mutual respect and koinonia, not least in locating its ground freedom shows the strength of and origin in God’s own gift sharing. koinonia. Those granting each Similarly the seven “Shared Convictions” other such space remain firmly and Alfred Neufeld Friesen’s tethered to each other in the commentary on them, resonate well with “chains of peace” (Ephesians what we have discovered about koinonia 4:3; cf. Romans 14:17-19), not in the New Testament. Tom Yoder Neufeld presents his paper at the recent because of their resolve, but At the same time, the International General Council meetings in Switzerland. because of God’s. We might Planning Commission of the MWC respect without distancing ourselves think that true koinonia might identified “autonomy” as one of the given beyond the reach of counsel and lessen differences that can bring conflict. realities of the MWC community of exhortation. Instead, it opens even more space for churches. It is in fact one of the criteria for In Romans 14:1–15:13 Paul addresses differences. Indeed, it is driven by a “desire membership in the MWC. As I see it, a vexing set of issues in the circle of for difference” as a gift from God to the koinonia and autonomy are in considerable house churches in Rome, made up of community of faith. tension. “Autonomy” implies independence observant Jews and not so observant Since the koinonia of the gospel invites rather than interdependence. That is likely Gentiles. Should one eat meat? Should and embraces strangers (Romans 12:13) not the intention behind the use of the one observe special days? These issues and enemies (Matthew 5:43), this space term in MWC. But in MWC history, the were at least as troubling to early must be expected to be the noisy and insistence on autonomy has sometimes believers as any doctrinal or ethical issues often conflictual place of new creation. reflected the desire not to have the search we face. What New challenges to for unity compromise our own efforts at made the issues so Mennonite World Conference is unity will arise; new faithfulness. difficult is that strains will put on the Larry Miller called for “autonomy-in- called to be a communion (koinonia) they were of Anabaptist-related churches linked chains of peace communion,” clearly wishing nevertheless competing visions precisely because the to move “beyond autonomy into to one another in a worldwide and practices of community of faith for fellowship, Spirit will sometimes communion-in-diversity.” Might our holiness and disturb “fellowship.” study of koinonia nudge us to speak less worship, service, and witness. worship. How do —The MWC vision as articulated and True koinonia is of autonomy, independence and self- you compromise always of the Spirit, determination, and more of granting approved by the General Council in on faithfulness? Bulawayo in 2003. the wind of God that each other the space to be as diversely Interestingly, blows where it wills. and distinctly and uniquely faithful as Paul never settles Such an possible? This is a koinonia-space where the question of who is strong and who is understanding informs our relations to the walls are thin, the windows and weak, whether meat should be eaten or the global body of Christ, where we are doors are open, the conversations are special days observed. He does insist that coming to value the differences that our overheard, maybe even interrupted, nothing is koinon (unclean, profane) of histories and our diverse experiences of where we grant each other profound itself (14:14). But even that hardly settles faithfulness and unfaithfulness have Note: Yoder Neufeld’s full paper explores in greater depth the meaning of the terms associated with koinonia in the New Testament, laying the groundwork for the reflections excerpted here. Once finalized by the Faith and Life Commission, the full paper will be posted at www.mwc-cmm.org or available at MWC offices. For now, an edited version of the initial draft of the paper is available in English in the July 2012 issue of Mennonite !uarterly Review (www.goshen.edu/mqr).

2012 - 2 & 3 3 General Council 2012 brought about. This appreciation recognizes that we belong to each other by an act of God, and that koinonia is a mix of listening, appreciating, exhorting, critiquing, dialoguing—all in the interests The leadership of growing closer to each other within the koinonia of God. A body made up of “all things in model of Jesus heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:10) is not designed to be one of uniformity, but By César García of God-created diversity. Koinonia will present different challenges in different could share many good things about power in Latin America. parts of our communion. In a modern my country, Colombia—its coffee, its What is God’s wish for our society? and post-modern context koinonia rich cuisine or its scientific and And specifically, which is the leadership challenges our individualism, our self- Iartistic contributions. But today I would model that God is inviting us to reflect as sufficiency, and our power- and control- like to focus on a feature which his church? In Revelation 7 we find a oriented culture of communication and Colombians share with most Latin good foundation. Verses 16 and 17 focus authority. In highly homogenous parts of American cultures: a leadership style on the effects of leadership exercised our communion koinonia may well known in Spanish as caudillismo. from a divine perspective: collide with the human tendency to feel Caudillismo is an important element threatened by difference. And yet, of political and religious leadership in koinonia stands for oneness in our “They will hunger no more, Latin America. It is authoritarian, with and thirst no more; the sun will diversity, unity in our multiplicity. power concentrated in one person, in Koinonia as word, concept, and not strike them, nor any contrast with leadership which is shared scorching heat; for the Lamb at experience is a pearl of great price. May and values team work. the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the the centre of the throne will be In Colombia many believe that their shepherd, and he will guide love of God, and the koinonia of the religious leaders have almost magical Holy Spirit enable us to receive this them to springs of the water of qualities, fulfilling their duties in a way life, and God will wipe away gift—again and again. that no lay person could.The every tear from their eyes.” concentration and abuse of authority Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld is Professor of among many Protestants and evangelicals Amid consumerism and the search for Religious Studies and Peace and Conflict reflects this cultural feature. They do not satisfaction, leadership exercised in God’s Studies at Conrad Grebel University abide by the norms and restraints of way provides fulfillment and College in Waterloo, Canada, and a mem- democracy. The wishes of the leaders are contentment. Amid persecution and ber of the Faith and Life Commission of the laws of the land. suffering, leadership exercised in God’s MWC’s General Council. This is reinforced by the fact that way provides relief and security. Colombians support the leaders Verse 17 tells us why. Here we see a It takes imagination to themselves rather than their ideas. leadership that guides and governs; there see how the various Commissions of Recent electoral history has proven that is someone on the throne, exercising the MWC are all, each in their own people vote according to the candidates’ power and authority. But the person on way, profound expressions of charisma, their way of relating to the the throne is a Lamb who is also koinonia. All together, they help us media and their physical appearance. Shepherd; this kind of power leads us to move ever deeper into communion Programmatic issues or political the fountain of life and is characterized with God and each other. The ideologies are not relevant when deciding by compassion. Mission Commission represents “the which candidate to support. Oliver Davies defines compassion as koinonia of the gospel.” The Deacon’s Considering this cultural reality, one “the recognition of ‘the other,’ Commission might, in light of wonders what is in store for Mennonite involvement in the suffering of ‘the 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, have been World Conference with a Colombian other,’ embracing the sufferer, willing to named the Koinonia Commission. serving as General Secretary. In response, act on their behalf.” Much of this is The Peace Commission is a reminder I would like to follow John Howard missing in various leadership circles in that in light of what we have seen in Yoder, who reminds us that the church is our communities. the New Testament, koinonia is called to reflect models of society that shalom in the making. And the Faith show God’s purpose for humanity. This A call to vulnerability and Life Commission is engaged in includes leadership models that are The leadership of compassion requires nothing less than helping to forge a alternative to the abusive patterns of two elements which we find in the koinonia of conviction. —TYN This article is a condensed and edited version of the opening plenary address to delegates of the MWC General Council sessions in May (see page 6 and following).

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The leadership model of Jesus By César García

leadership model of Jesus: First, so why should we? This vulnerability and second, hospitality. does not mean that we Vulnerability is Christ’s answer to take our sins to the pulpit three temptations faced by leaders. The or talk about them all the first one is the yearning for recognition: time. Rather, it implies Does anyone love me? Do I really matter that we seek out wise to anyone? Such questions often lead us people to whom we to seek the recognition of others. become accountable. Revelation 7 doesn’t show Jesus as a Most Christian leader yearning for recognition. He feels leadership is in the hands safe in his Father’s love, which allows him of people who do not to show himself just as he is: a wounded know how to develop Lamb who doesn’t need to hide his scars close, wholesome or pretend to be powerful. relationships, and who The leadership model of Jesus is free have chosen power of suspicion and resentment. Our relationships. This leads

Father’s love nurtures our identity as his us to the third Photo by Merle Good beloved children, accepting us just as we temptation that Jesus César García, MWC General Secretary, gives the opening are. Knowing that we are accepted and overcomes, the temptation plenary address from the pulpit of the historic chapel of loved frees us to fulfill our mission. As to be powerful. Previous the St. Chrischona Conference Centre—a worship and Henri Nouwen has written, “when we verses have referred to a training hub for many free churches in Switzerland. live in the knowledge of this, we can do multitude awaiting the and suffering. Neither Jesus’ wounds, nor nothing else but bring healing, Lion of Judah. In the midst of great his victory, nor his place on the throne reconciliation, new life and hope expectation, the Lion enters, and to lead him to worry about himself. He has wherever we go.” everyone’s surprise, it is a Lamb. Instead come to bring comfort, to guide and Nouwen suggests that to carry this out of fear or anxiety, the multitude feels shepherd others, to serve and not to be we need to dwell in the Word, pray, listen tenderness and appreciation. The served —even in his glory. to the voice of the Spirit and have a true leadership model of Jesus is based not on Vulnerability and hospitality are the bond with the Word incarnate: Jesus. fear, authoritarian power or arrogance, fundamental elements of “The Thus we will find the power to become but on a willingness to die to oneself on compassion. deeper we are willing to enter into the vulnerable and overcome the temptation behalf of the wellbeing of those we serve. painful condition we all experience, the to seek recognition. easier it will be to become victorious The second temptation that can be A call to hospitality leaders, guiding the people from the desert overcome through our vulnerability is the Our text points out another important to the promised land,” writes Nouwen. temptation to be to gain spectacular— characteristic of Jesus: hospitality, the Earlier, I referred to Latin American popularity and receive praise, to appear to ability to focus attention on the guest. because I believe it is being be perfect, to work alone and not share caudillismo This is difficult for us when we are challenged by the Scripture. But my desire success. Yielding to this temptation engrossed in our own needs and is that all cultures of leadership reflected plunges us into a world of loneliness, concerns—but it is possible when we are in our global family may be challenged as trying to keep false appearances that driven by the compassion of Jesus. they look to Jesus’ model of leadership. prevent us from receiving support in the Jesus makes room in his glory for May we all heed the call to follow the midst of our daily struggles. people from all nations who come to Lamb, drawing our inspiration from his Jesus’ leadership offers an alternative. worship him. His attention is not model of compassion—and its hallmarks He calls us to confess and forgive, placing centered on himself but on others, which of vulnerability and hospitality. us on the same level as others. We are not is the essence of pastoral ministry. It is the healers, God is. Jesus becomes this kindness and shepherding which vulnerable and doesn’t hide his wounds, César García is General Secretary of heals the multitude, mistreated by pain Mennonite World Conference.

2012 - 2 & 3 5 General Council 2012 Photo by Bastian Gegenheimer. 105 delegates represented MWC’s 101 member and associate member churches and associations. The delegates, joined by 45 commission members and as many other participants and observers, came from 48 countries, most of them from the Global South. Exploring roots, pursuing collaboration in mission Delegates gather from 48 countries by Byron Rempel-Burkholder

Bettingen, Switzerland—Swiss Conference’s General Council to tour The symbolism of the venue loomed Mennonite historian Hanspeter Jecker landmarks of Anabaptist beginnings in large. Basel was an important crossroads stood on the bank of the Limmat River the 16th century. for persecuted and migrating early in Zurich, Switzerland, near the site A grounding in historical and Anabaptists, and for a century and a half, where Anabaptist martyr Felix Manz was theological roots was a strong Mennonites and other theological heirs drowned. He was speaking passionately undercurrent for the triennial gathering, of the Anabaptists have come here for to a group of international church leaders held May 20-26, at the St. Chrischona training in ministry. about the 16th century drowning. Conference Centre in Bettingen, near St. Chrischona was also the site of the Suddenly from the group came an Basel, a Swiss city on the borders of both first and the fifth MWC assemblies in outburst from Joly Birakara Ilowa from Germany and France. 1925 and 1952—in eras where the faces the Democratic Republic of Congo: “ I’m very happy to be here. If I were not already baptized, I would want to be baptized right here and now.” In Congo, he had learned and taught about his Anabaptist “ancestors”—but now that he was on the same soil as they, it meant so much more to him. Ilowa, vice president of the Communauté Mennonite au Congo, was on one of three busloads of delegates who took a day during this year’s gathering of Mennonite World During a tour of Zurich, Hanspeter Jecker tells stories of the earliest Anabaptists. Here the group is seated at the site on the Limmat River, where Felix Manz was executed by drowning. Photo by Byron Rempel-Burkholder

6 courrier - courier - correo General Council 2012 were almost exclusively white. This year’s General Council, by contrast, counted 105 delegates from 48 of the 54 countries of MWC membership. About 80% of these were from the Global South— along with 45 commission members and as many volunteers and guests. Fittingly, “Revisiting our Vision,” was the banner for three reflection papers presented by members of the Council’s Faith and Life Commission and approved as resources for MWC member churches in exploring holistic ministry, the Anabaptist tradition, and the meaning of the biblical term koinonia (communion or fellowship).

Resourcing leadership Photo by Merle Good and ministry After the General Council selected J. Nelson Kraybill (second from left) as MWC President-elect, the MWC officers—President Danisa Ndlovu (left) and Far from nostalgic throw-backs to earlier Vice-president Janet Plenert (right), along with representatives from North patterns of church, the discussion papers American MWC churches such as Ervin Stutzman (second from right), offered and the decisions at this year’s gathering prayers of blessing. were about new ways that global Anabaptists can be the church together in a rapidly changing world. Nelson Kraybill chosen as President-elect With the appointment last year of On May 25 General Council delegates elect, he felt as if his calling was César García of Colombia has come selected J. Nelson Kraybill of Elkhart, complete. He called together a energy to adjust staff structures and Indiana, USA as President-elect. “clearness committee” of close friends working styles to anticipate even more He will begin his six-year term as in his congregation who helped him networking among churches, especially MWC President in July 2015, at the discern that he should indeed say yes if between the international Assemblies next global Assembly to be held in the call came. that occur every six years. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As After being selected in a close vote, In his opening address to the delegates President-elect, he will participate in Kraybill commented: “I am excited on Sunday evening, García lamented the the annual meetings of the Executive about learning from and with parts of prevalence of “caudillismo”—the Committee and in meetings of the the world where the church is authoritarian, above-the-law style of MWC Officers—President Danisa growing,” he said. “I want to explore leadership that prevails in his country, Ndlovu, Vice-president Janet Plenert the missional energy of Anabaptism. often feeding Colombia’s violent and Treasurer Ernst Bergen. I’ve known for a long time that reputation. Kraybill is currently one of three Anabaptism in its origins pointed back “What kind of leadership does God pastors at Prairie Street Mennonite to the vitality of the early church as a want to see in society and in the church?” Church in Elkhart. He was President Spirit-filled, slightly chaotic and García asked. From the apocalyptic vision of Associated Mennonite Biblical subversive mission movement. There of the “lamb on the throne” in Revelation Seminary from 1996 to 2008 and are such winds of the Spirit in the 7:9-17, García committed himself and Program Director of the London world today. I hope my role can be as called upon delegates to exercise Mennonite Center in London, an ambassador from one part of the leadership whose power is marked by England from 1991 to 1996. world to another, a conduit of insights, vulnerability, love and hospitality. “Jesus He participated in the process of and a bridge-builder.” invites the multitudes, creates space in his creating a statement of Shared After members of the Executive glory to receive them, focuses his attention Convictions, which were adopted by the Committee and the North American on them, he suffers with them, and offers MWC General Council in March 2006. delegation offered a prayer of support his wounds to heal them.” Kraybill was one of two nominees for for Kraybill and thanks for two strong In the ensuing days, many of the the MWC President-elect position. The candidates, Rediger came to the stage points discussed in regional caucuses and other nominee was Markus Rediger of to embrace Kraybill. passed in MWC’s consensus style of Muensingen, Switzerland, a member of MWC release decision-making, addressed structures to the MWC Executive Committee. help its 101 member and associate When Kraybill was asked to let his member churches to work together at name stand for the role of President- common issues and identity in an 2012 - 2 & 3 7 General Council 2012 approval of a protocol that will guide its engagement with member churches and their agencies facing critical needs. The purpose of the protocol is to ensure prompt communication and effective cooperation in addressing those needs. The Peace Commission has been doing a “peace audit” to ascertain member churches’ involvements and desire in promoting the peace position. Also, the General Council supported a protocol developed by the Peace Commission to guide its possible involvement in internal conflicts of Photo by Javier Soler. member churches. Reaching a wider MWC audience, and more nimbly Ron Rempel (right), Chief Communications Officer, presents a strategic It’s all about communications plan. One of the key goals of the plan is to share more stories and communication resources more quickly and in a variety of venues. Rempel reported that with the distribution of 12,000 copies in three languages, only 1% of MWC members are To do all this work requires a growing receiving Courier-Correo-Courrier. investment in communication. That While print communications will continue to be key for many, especially in the topic came up at many points—from Global South, the rapidly changing world also requires greater use of electronic pleas on the floor to make sure all means such as social media and email dissemination. Currently, the MWC website documents are available well in is being restructured to be easier to use and to allow working groups, such as the advance in all three of MWC’s official General Council Commissions, to use the site for collaborative work. As delegates languages (English, Spanish, and affirmed in caucus discussions, the direction of the communications will place French), to calls for more storytelling. greater emphasis on stories about churches and people from the global Anabaptist Ron Rempel, Chief community of faith than about MWC structures and administration. Communications Officer, presented a strategic communication proposal Left to right in the photo are President Danisa Ndlovu, General Secretary César that included the updating of García and Ron Rempel. electronic communication for faster and nimbler dissemination that ongoing way. oversight the newly formed Global majors on stories (see sidebar). García introduced a revised staffing Anabaptist Service Network—a group of structure appropriate to the shift of the indigenous service agencies from all of Assembly 16 head office from Strasbourg, France, to MWC’s five continental regions—whose Bogotá, Colombia—a move to be representatives had met a week earlier. and beyond in view completed in August. In order to The existing network already relating to Face-to-face gatherings will continue to develop administrative capacity, García the commission is the Global Mission be a mainstay of MWC life. General said, there are plans to have a staff Fellowship. Council also heard and endorsed plans representative in each of the five The Faith and Life Commission for Assembly 16 in 2015. Dick Thomas, continental regions. These will work agreed to serve as a reference group for a chair of the Assembly 16 National with an Operations Team of “chief “Global Anabaptist Profile” research Advisory Council, and Assembly 16 officers” that share the administrative project, to be headed up by the Institute National Coordinator Howard Good load and multiply opportunities for for the Study of Global Anabaptism at presented slides and plans for the MWC networking globally. Goshen College, in the United States. assembly slated for July 21-26, 2015 at The Council’s four commissions The institute is directed by John Roth, the Pennsylvania State Farm Show appointed three years ago in Paraguay who is also the secretary for the MWC complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. were given new support and clearer Faith and Life Commission. The delegates pledged support for mandates. In addition to the teaching The commission will also help the plan, but urged the five US host papers of the Faith and Life facilitate and promote inter-church churches to do all they can to facilitate Commission, the delegates heard dialogue, such as recent conversations the obtaining of visas, especially for reporting and took action on a wide with the Seventh Day Adventists on youth delegates. Liesa Unger, MWC range of commission work. common history; and dialogue with Chief International Events Officer, Perhaps most dramatically, the Lutherans and Catholics on baptism. confirmed that a special committee will Mission Commission took under its The Deacons Commission received be devoted to help with visas, but also

8 courrier - courier - correo General Council 2012 making its way into our account. I would like you to help us in collaborating and talking to people who could be donating money for the work of the Lord.” Len Rempel added: “If MWC is ours, let’s make it happen. If we can’t meet the challenge, let’s negotiate.” In other significant actions, the General Council: r
Ratified the Executive Council decision to accept into MWC membership the Mennonite Church of Chile, and into associate membership the International Brethren in Christ Association. r
Celebrated the progress of the Global Photo by Merle Good History Project, which has published Small group interaction during a plenary of the General Council meetings. Philippino four of five books on the continental delegate Edgardo Docuyanan (left) in discussion with Albert Ndlovu (far right) of regions, with the fifth to be Zimbabwe and Thobekile Ncube, also of Zimbabwe. completed this year. Among the titles, nine translations have already been emphasized that each national church And yet, especially as expenses rise completed, with more in process. must work diligently and in advance to sharply in the two years before Assembly provide authorizations for their 16, delegates from almost all regions also r
Recognized Pakisa Tshimika of DR members to attend. acknowledged that the “fair share” Congo, for his longstanding service Subject to a feasibility study, the formula for supporting MWC is a with MWC in several Council also accepted an invitation from struggle (see sidebar). The formula, responsibilities—recently for his the three Mennonite synods of Indonesia based on World Bank figures of average vision for the Global Anabaptist to host the 17th Assembly in 2021. incomes, gives each member church a Service Network and his Giving leadership in the years leading up dollar amount that it is expected to involvement in forming it. to that moment will be Nelson Kraybill contribute. r
Applauded the work of the Young of the US, whom the delegates voted to Even delegates from affluent countries Anabaptists (YABs) whose six- be President-elect (see sidebar). expressed the challenge. The European member committee had met the economy has been in flux, and North previous week to carry forward efforts Finances in a global American churches vary in their level of at international networking and to commitment to MWC as they deal with economy plan the next Global Youth Summit, declining support for their own to be held in conjunction with Chief Operations Officer, Len Rempel, programs. Assembly 16 in 2015. reported that MWC finances are in According to MWC Treasurer, Ernst Bergen of Paraguay, “Mennonites have a r
Endorsed terms of reference for the relatively strong shape, given the merger of the Asia caucus with the challenges of the global economy and the great gift in making money; there are many in our family who are very rich. Asia Mennonite Conference, which extra expenses of MWC’s leadership has met for more than 20 years and transition in the last triennium. The news that is not so good is that the money that is in their account is not has shared overlapping mandates What is the “fair share”? their country. Delegates recognized this is not a perfect system(for example, average income in MWC member At the 2012 MWC General Council meeting, delegates churches may be more or less than the average incomes in reviewed and voted on the financial projections for the three their countries). Even so, they unanimously supported the years leading up to Assembly 16. A significant part of this principle as well as the budget projections. They also asked work was to approve “fair share” contributions from all the MWC staff to refine the formula during the next three years. member and associate member churches for that period. In a time when many countries are experiencing economic The fair share seeks to enable financial responsibility and difficulties, the churches are not immune. However, delegates ownership to be spread among all MWC members and showed a sense of optimism and excitement as they were associate members, despite the wide variations of income and challenged to find ways to help realize the goals of MWC in size of churches. The fair share formula, takes into account the next three years —particularly in supporting the both the number of baptized members of each member and emerging mandates of the four commissions and establish associate member church, and the gross national income of regional representatives to further the work of MWC.

2012 - 2 & 3 9 General Council 2012 with the caucus. r
Conferred on Larry Miller the title of MWC General Secretary Emeritus in recognition of his 22 years of service before César García assumed the role in January 2012. Miller, who is now General Secretary for the Global Christian Forum, was feted in a special dinner and program Wednesday evening, along with his wife, Eleanor.

Byron Rempel-Burkholder is editor Photo by James Krabill of Courier.-Correo-Courrier. Thobekile Ncube of Zimbabwe (right) and Larry Miller, General Secretary Emeritus of Mennonite World Conference, hold a quilt that was given to Miller at the General Council meeting. Many delegates brought a piece of fabric, and in three days the pieces were assembled by a team of volunteers.

‘Blueprint’ for Young Anabaptists network taking shape

The emerging Young Anabaptists (YABs) network has been and enduring connections via the Internet and online platforms taking concrete form as the YABs committee implements a such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. A Facebook fan page “blueprint” accepted in 2010 by the MWC Executive called “YABs—Young AnaBaptists” (http://www.facebook.com/ Committee. Through electronic communication, and annual younganabaptist) was started in the past year. face to face meetings, the YABs committee has laid In Switzerland, the YABs committee put into practice their groundwork for “an empowered young “connecting youth groups” project by body” that is involved in decision- conducting a variety of workshops for making in the church, both locally and youth at the Mennonite European globally, and that nurtures global, Regional Conference (see page 19). At regional and local fellowship among their planning meeting, the committee youth. gave counsel to MWC Chief When the YABS committee met Communications Officer Ron Rempel May 14-17, just prior to the General on how to structure the MWC website Council meetings, it worked on a list to help foster relationship building of specific action plans for the next among youth. three years. Following their own meeting, they Key on their agenda is the Global appealed to the MWC General Youth Summit, to be held July 17-19, Council to support them in making it 2015 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, possible for young people to attend the USA, in connection with the 16th 2015 Assembly, particularly in helping MWC Global Assembly. In addition obtain visas for youth. They also asked to planning the program for the event, delegates to help identify and support YABs committee will be involved in youth in their countries who would fundraising for the Summit. participate in the Global Youth Other initiatives include connecting Summit. youth groups from different parts of In response, MWC vice-president the world and providing resource Janet Plenert commented: “Our job in materials for a YABs Day—an leadership is to do everything we can The YABs committee (from left): Sumana opportunity to highlight “the joy and to back these young adults so that they Basumata (India), Rodrigo Pedroza responsibility of being a young can show up [at the next global García (Mexico), Marc Pasqués (Spain), Anabaptist.” Assembly].” Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle (Ethiopia), Kristina High on the committee’s list of Toews (Canada). Toews is chair of the priorities is to establish more frequent committee. Photo by Merle Good.

10 courrier - courier - correo General Council 2012

Four Commissions, single heartbeat Introducing the leaders and the work they do By Phyllis Pellman Good

Like four chambers of a heart, the three-year-old commissions of Based on their work together in the week before the General the MWC General Council work together to pump life into the Council meetings in May, General Council has recently taken work of MWC. With mandates corresponding to the four purposes steps to strengthen their work. Here are brief profiles of the chair of MWC, the Commissions have been working to define their and secretary of each Commission, with their statements of vision: activities and network together. Each Commission is composed of members representing the five continental regions of MWC. Photos by Merle Good

Peace Commission General Council action: Approved a protocol to guide the Commission in possible involvement in the resolution of internal conflict in member churches. Key activities: Developing guidelines, teaching resources and networks to assist local congregations who are experiencing conflict; representing Anabaptists in working with other Christians in promoting peace and nonviolence. Members: Calixte Thioro Bananzaro, Burkina Faso; Antonio González Fernández, Spain; John Paul Lederach, USA; Jenny Neme, Colombia; Markus Rediger, Switzerland; Saucedo Rodriguez, Bolivia; David Rouse, Australia; Lakhsmi N. Subandi, Indonesia; Robert J. Suderman, Secretary, Canada; Paulus Widjaja, Chair, Indonesia; Paulus Widjaja, Chair Robert J. Suderman r
Member, and chairperson of, (Jack), Secretary Persatuan Gereja-Gereja Kristen r
Member of Mennonite Church Muria Indonesia (GKMI) Canada r
Professor of ethics and peace r
“Missional ambassador” for studies at Duta Wacana Mennonite Church Canada, Christian University; adjunct teaching in churches professor at Gadjah Mada internationally; member of University, a public institution, “Being a Faithful Church” task teaching “peace and violence in force, which deals with tough religions.” issues facing Mennonite Church r
Married to Janti; parents of a Canada daughter and a son r
Married to Irene; parents of three sons; grandparents of four

“Our biggest challenge is that the MWC member “It’s apparent that we’re living in a broken world. My churches all want to be ‘peace churches.’ Yet they compelling vision has always been that instead of admit they don’t always succeed. They’re crying for lodging peacemaking in particular institutions, each help. We [in the Peace Commission] have congregation—all 14,000 of them—would be living established a protocol for MWC when a member the gospel right where it is. Everyone should be an church becomes involved in a conflict. We are also agent of peace and reconciliation. We want the developing guidelines for local congregations to use Peace Commission to empower the church to be when they’re faced with a conflict. We are using our what it’s meant to be. Imagine a beautiful wall networks to build capacity in local congregations.” hanging for each congregation, reminding all members of our commitment to living peace.”

2012 - 2 & 3 11 General Council 2012

Deacons Commission Conference [as Tim Lind has said]. Being with sisters and brothers who are under duress is one of General Council action: Approved a protocol that guides the most important ways of walking together. the commission in responding to “critical needs” from …“Even if we can’t do or say something that will fix member and associate member churches. the situation, it is so necessary that we stand Key activities: Facilitating networks of caring across together, pray for, and listen to each other, and in international borders and, on occasion, visiting churches experiencing crisis or celebrating special landmark events. that way be a family... It is so important that our churches know where to turn. We are here, Members: Dave Dyck, Canada; Barbara Hege-Galle, Germany; Shemlal Hembrom, Nepal; Warren Hoffman, representing the global fellowship.” USA; Yukari Kaga, Japan; Delbert Kuhosakubi , Dem. Rep. of Congo; Samuel Martínez Leal, El Salvador; Cynthia Faith and Life Commission Peacock, Chair, India; Enock Shamapani, Zambia; Gladys Siemens, Brazil; Henk Stenvers, Secretary, Netherlands. General Council action: Approved the use of Commission- initiated papers as teaching resources in member churches and Cynthia Peacock, their congregations: “A Holistic Understanding of Fellowship, Chair Worship, Service, and Witness from an Anabaptist Perspective” by Alfred Neufeld Friesen; “Revisiting Our Vision: The r
Member of Bharatiya Jukta Anabaptist Vision, “ by Hanspeter Jecker; and “Koinonia—The Christa Prachar Mandali (India Gift We Hold Together” by Tom Yoder Neufeld. Missionary Church) Key activities: Providing leadership and links for the r
Elder/deacon and treasurer in promotion of Anabaptist identity and values, including the home congregation; member of Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online BJCPM executive committee as (GAMEO) and the Institute for the Study of Global president of the conference’s Anabaptism. women’s groups Members: Rainer Burkart, Germany; Alfred Neufeld Friesen, r
Parent of a son and a daughter; Chair, Paraguay; Hanspeter Jecker, Switzerland; Alix Lozano grandparent of three. Forero, Colombia, Albert Ndlovu, Zimbabwe; Thomas Yoder Neufeld, Canada; Rebecca Osiro, Vice Chair, Kenya; Valerie “I learned through my career with Mennonite Rempel, USA; John D. Roth, USA, Secretary; Janti Widjaja, Central Committee that our churches do not need Indonesia. to live in poverty. As I look around the world, I see that our churches are much better off than many Alfred Neufeld Friesen, of our neighbors, but we haven’t learned to share. Chair Sharing spiritually is also one of our frontiers as a r
Member of Vereinigung der global fellowship. Another is to sponsor and Mennoniten Brüder encourage a teaching ministry to overcome the Gemeinden Paraguays absolute lack of knowledge in many congregations r
President of Protestant about who we are as Anabaptists.” University, supervising social work, languages, and Henk Stenvers, educational departments. Media Supervisor (TV and Secretary Radio) for Vereinigung der r
Member of Algemene Mennoniten Brüder Doopsgezinde Sociëteit (ADS), Gemeinden Paraguays the Netherlands r
Married to Wilma; parents to r
General Secretary of ADS two adult sons and two adult daughters. r
Married to Jeannette Matthÿssen; parents of two sons “During the recent meetings of MWC’s General and a daughter. Council, several delegates said, “We need “The Deacon’s Commission ongoing theological work on the global level.” On is the warm hand of the Faith and Life Commission we are rethinking Mennonite World our heritage and working at renewing it, and

12 courrier - courier - correo General Council 2012 contextualizing it for our various settings and Richard Showalter, situations. We’re looking at our heritage from the Chair Bible and from the whole world. But how do we r
Member of Mennonite Church reach our churches with all of this? That’s the USA assignment we really have to figure out.” r
Coach for International John Roth, Secretary Missions Association (IMA, which includes about 20 r
Member of Mennonite Church missions partners; about USA 80-85% of their sponsoring r
Professor of history at Goshen churches are members of College; director of Mennonite MWC) Historical Library r
Married to Jewel; parents of two r
Married to Ruth; parents of sons and a daughter; grandpar- four daughters. ents of ten.

“Theology is the task of the “The Mission Commission now includes both the whole church. But it is Global Missions Fellowship (GMF) and the Global valuable to have groups Anabaptist Service Network (GASN). We are within the church, such as experiencing a groundswell of enthusiasm for the Faith and Life connecting in more and more ways for witness and Commission, step back and reflect on what are the service globally. Our work happens with much more underlying assumptions, what are the convictions integrity and vitality when the whole world is that give our church life and faith. I’m grateful that involved and it’s not just a Western enterprise. It is MWC recognizes the importance of this. It is a real happening now. There is so much energy here!” privilege to be able to talk about ecclesiology and to have complex conversations about these parts of Rafael Zaracho, life. It is such an opportunity to have our diverse Secretary backgrounds sometimes open up into a kind of unity.” r
Member of Convención Evangélica de Iglesias Paraguayas Hermanos Mission Commission Menonitas General Council action: Approved the placement of the new r
Currently a doctoral student in Global Anabaptist Service Network under the umbrella of the Anabaptist Hermeneutics; will Mission Commission, along with the Global Mission rejoin the faculty of the Fellowship. Mennonite Brethren seminary in Paraguay when degree is Key activities: Facilitating gatherings of the GMF and the completed GASN, helping to build networks of support for holistic witness and service among MWC member churches. r
Married to Ruth; parents of a daughter and expecting the Members: Ron Byler, Global Anabaptist Service Network, birth of a son in July. USA; Edgardo Docuyanan, Philippines; John S. Fumana, Global Anabaptist Service Network, DR Congo; Ofelia García “Living in [the tension between unity and diversity] Hernández, Mexico; Adolphe Komuesa Kalunga, DR Congo; allows for humility and interdependency. We come James R. Krabill, USA; Agus Mayanto, Global Mission Fellowship, Indonesia; Don McNiven, USA; Rosa Erlinda in openness to work together. We bring our partial Bonilla de Robelo, Global Anabaptist Service Network, answers, our small pieces. We may not make much Honduras; Richard Showalter, Chair, USA; Max Wiedmer, sense when we stand alone, but when we come France; Hermann Woelk, Uruguay; Rafael Zaracho, Secretary, together, we can do something helpful and useful. Paraguay. We somehow model what can be done through the love of God and the love of each other.”

2012 - 2 & 3 13 General Council 2012

Twins with a purpose Mission Commission gathers Global Mission Fellowship and new Global Anabaptist Service Network By Jewel Showalter

Basel, Switzerland— It’s hard to imagine a more fitting place for the vibrant assembly of 84 Anabaptist mission leaders from 34 nations than Switzerland, the birthplace of the Anabaptist movement, May 14-17, 2012. For many Anabaptists with names like Okanya or Minj, it was their first time to breathe Swiss air and ponder the passion that drove thousands of sixteenth century Anabaptists from their picturesque farms on these green hills—into exile or death. Here on a Swiss mountain that borders France and Germany, the fledgling Global Anabaptist Service Network (GASN) held its first meeting with 38 service organizations from 21 countries, joining the Global Mission Fellowship’s (GMF) 44 church and mission leaders from 29 countries for a Photo by John Warkentin four-day conjoint congress. Mennonite World Conference The Global Mission Fellowship sessions included an afternoon of prayer and fasting General Secretary César García opened led by Randy Friesen of Mennonite Brethren Mission. Like many of their Anabaptist the first joint session with a devotional forebears, the group gathered in the woods near the St. Chrischona Centre to pray on the ministry of Jesus. for the witness of the global church. “The mission of God requires a deep Missio Dei is not a dimension of the community— and we don’t know any dependence on the Holy Spirit,” García Anabaptist vision, but the very essence of Christians among them.” said explaining that Jesus cared that Anabaptism.” The GASN reflected on biblical texts widows receive justice, that outsiders are Neufeld, chair of the Faith and Life such as Luke 4 and Matthew 25 that reconciled to God, and ethnocentric Commission of MWC’s General guide their work on behalf of “the Israelites change their attitudes toward Council, also challenged participants not widow, the orphan, and the alien.” their enemies. to be ashamed of the “crazy, charismatic Participants introduced their When Jesus announced in Luke 4 that dimension” of the Holy Spirit’s work. organizations and agencies to one “Jubilee” had arrived he was inaugurating Throughout the week walls and another and began the energizing work his kingdom—a reality God wants stereotypes came tumbling down— not of cross-fertilization. people to experience now. “In our history only between the two networks but Leaders such as Paulus Hartono of as agencies we fail if we don’t emphasize between ethnic groups. Mennonite Diakonia Service in the peace, justice, and unity Jesus calls us Following an address on “holistic Indonesia, Adriana Rodriguez of to,” García said. mission” by Cynthia Peacock, Indian Proyecto Paz y Justicia in Honduras and In a second plenary, Paraguayan chair of the Deacons Commission, a Mathewos Belissa of the Relief and theologian Alfred Neufeld Friesen Tanzanian mission leader, John Development Agency of the Meserete fleshed out the meaning of missio dei (the Wambura, said, “That was amazing! It’s Kristos Church in Ethiopia shared stories mission of God).“Early Anabaptists the first time I ever heard an Indian from their experiences. almost never used the word mission,” Christian speak. Now I know there are “We need to treat each part of the Neufeld said. “But they understood Christians, Mennonites in India. In body with the love of Christ,” Belissa themselves to be a missionary people. Tanzania we don’t mix with the Indian said. “Are we only concerned by HIV? 14 courrier - courier - correo General Council 2012 No, we’re also concerned about hunger In a closing joint plenary prevention. Yet each body part has its Pakisa Tshimika, who chaired own function. If the ear warns that the the task force that led to the car is coming, but the leg refuses to creation of the GASN, said, run— the whole is destroyed.” “Really, it’s all about relation- One afternoon the GMF spent time in ship. Mission is relationship. prayer and fasting led by Randy Friesen, Witness is relationship. Service president of Mennonite Brethren is relationship.” Mission. Reading from Revelation 7, “We belong together,” Friesen encouraged the group to begin Tshimika said. “Do we believe “with the end in mind”—the day when this? If we do, we won’t create all peoples will be gathered around obstacles. It’s about Christ. It’s Christ’s throne. not about money. We reject God Continental representatives asked for when we reject each other.” prayer in the face of violence in Latin The congress closed with a America, the rise of radical Islam in East commissioning service for the and West Africa, rampant secularism in newly structured Mission Europe, natural disasters in Asia, and Commission that now includes spiritual lukewarmness in North members from both networks, America. and the chairs of GMF (Agus Identifying with their spiritual Mayanto) and GASN (Ron ancestors, the GMF prayer group trekked Byler) who work closely with into the woods—sharing stories and Richard Showalter and Rafael prayers for oppressed and persecuted Zaracho, chair and secretary of Christians around the world. the Commission. Photo by James Krabill A rich variety of workshops covered Candles line the steps at the chapel of the Chrischona topics of interest to both groups— Jewel Showalter recently retired Centre, site of the first joint meeting of the new Global Principles in International Partnerships, from her work in communica- Anabaptist Service Network and the Global Mission Trauma Healing, Tools Churches need tions with Eastern Mennonite Fellowship. for Witness and Service, Climate Missions. This year she and her Change, and Anabaptist Witness in the husband Richard will be teach- Muslim World, to name a few. ing and consulting in Asia.

Twinning of networks culminates 12 years of imagination and work The first joint meeting of the Global Anabaptist Service entitled “Diakonia and Service” in Addis Ababa, and a new Network (GASN), and the Global Mission Fellowship task force emerges to create a new network of service agencies (GMF), May 14-17, preceded one of the key outcomes of the from around the world, including both large organizations Mennonite World Conference General Council meeting: the such as Mennonite Central Committee in North America, decision to include both networks within the mandate of the and Global South organizations such as Indonesia’s council’s Mission Commission. The formation and eventual Mennonite Diakonia Services. coming together was the product of 12 years of developments: 2012—The task force brings a recommendation, processed 2000—MWC convenes the Global Anabaptist Mission by the MWC Executive Committee and the four Consultation in Guatemala City commissions, that the new Global Anabaptist Service 2003—the Global Mission Fellowship is born, bringing Network be lodged under the umbrella of the Mission together mission leaders from many MWC-related churches. commission But many also recognize that service agencies also need a At the May joint meeting of the two networks, discussion space to collaborate. and study revolved around the mission of God as speaking to 2006—General Council meetings focus on the theme of the whole person, not driving a wedge between spiritual and “Service as a Mandate for the Global Anabaptist Family” and social ministry. name a task force to organize a service network. “The two networks are ‘twins,’” quipped Richard 2006—At its second meeting, in Kazakhstan, the GMF Showalter, chair of the Mission Commission as he and vote to formally connect with MWC under the umbrella of a Tshimika discussed the coming together of the two groups. new “Mission Commission.” “That’s right,” affirmed Tshimika. “We don’t have an 2009—Four new commissions are formed at Assembly 15 adolescent and a newborn here. No one is coming in through in Paraguay: Faith and Life, Deacons, Peace, and Mission the window. We’re both coming in through the door.” 2010—The service network task force convenes a forum —Jewel Showalter

2012 - 2 & 3 15 General Council 2012 Cradling Anabaptism in a secular society Getting to know today’s European Mennonites By Alle G. Hoekema n September 2011 a Koinonia delegation of the Mennonite World Conference visited the Dutch Mennonites. “We don’t have a success story to tell you,” we had to confess to them. IWe told them that Christianity in Europe— especially in the Northwestern part—is in crisis. All denominations suffer from it, although Pentecostals, some evangelicals and most migrant churches do a bit better than others. For most others, their identity and their falling numbers are creating new challenges. Europe, however, is the cradle of Anabaptism. The Anabaptist movement came into being in different locations in the early 16th century. That era was ripe for a definitive change of worldviews as well as political and social-economic patterns. Reformers like Luther and Zwingli stood up, and their ideas were critically evaluated by those who were to become founders of Anabaptism. The movement grew, but survived challenges of persecution and migration. Especially in the 20th century, the groups experienced various renewals or rediscovered their roots—yet in recent decades the pressures of decline have also been apparent. Mennonites in Europe today can be divided into four groups:

Swiss, South German and French Mennonites are mainly Photo by Derk Stenvers characterized by a plain biblical faith, influenced by Pietism Children at last year’s 200th anniversary of the Algemene and lately by evangelicalism. Many of their ancestors suffered Doopsgezinde Sociëteit, the Dutch Mennonite church. religious opposition and had to flee to Netherlands and America in 1711. Some of them still live in rural areas, but most of them are well integrated in their societies. They have struggled to become less hidden and “quiet in the land.” North German and Dutch Mennonites, by contrast, became socially accepted in the seventeenth century and have played a role in urban life ever since. They have included in their ranks scholars, artists and even politicians. Many are involved in poverty reduction and human rights. But their communities, too, are wondering: what is our proper identity? The chairperson of the Dutch Algemene Doopsgezinde Sociëteit (ADS), Otto Bleker, often says,“We need a coming-out”. A third group are those, whose ancestors moved in the eighteenth century from Prussia to Russia and the Ukraine. After the political situation there made it impossible to live according to their deepest convictions, most migrated or fled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to North America and Latin America. After World War II, others emigrated to Western Europe, and especially Germany. Photo by Liesa Unger The latter are known as “Umsiedler.” ( In Germany they now Members of the Mennonite Church in Regensberg, Germany, form, by far, the largest group of Anabaptists. However, with assemble school kits for Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Front to their recent history of pain and isolation and differences of back: Elisabeth Horsch, Elisabeth Krehbiel, Walter Horsch, opinion, it is not yet easy for them to be united among Ernst Horsch and Uwe Ulbrich. themselves or to join the older groups of Mennonites in

16 courrier - courier - correo General Council 2012 Germany; there are over ten associations of German- Russian Anabaptists. There are a few signs of overture towards the other European Mennonites, however. Finally, there is a fourth type of Anabaptists: the new communities that came into being as fruits of North- American Mennonite mission agencies after World War II, in Italy, Spain, France, England, Northern Ireland and other areas. They have a strong Anabaptist identity, both as to the peace witness and social activities in their local contexts. Some, however, are isolated from their sister churches. In France, these new An ordination at the chapel of Jeanguisboden, Switzerland. Left to right: Dorli Bühler, Michel communities became members Ummel, Paul Gerber, Ute Schneider Boegli, Nelly Gerber, Ulrich Scheidegger. of the association of French Mennonites; the multicultural another example of a joint effort; French and Dutch communities in the Paris region enriched the older translations are being released this year. congregations. The communities in Spain felt strong enough to Finally, groups of Mennonites from one country often visit host the Mennonite European Regional Conference (MERK) their brothers and sisters in other European countries: Dutch in 2006. And the London Mennonite Centre has developed an Doopsgezinden go to Gdansk in Poland, for example, while impressive Anabaptist network, where many people from other German-Russian ‘Umsiedler’ groups visit Witmarsum in the denominations share their vision with the Anabaptists. Netherlands, where Menno Simons worked. Search for community and renewed witness Beyond their ties with each other, European Mennonites have unique gifts to offer their societies. “We present ourselves All in all, there certainly is hope for the European as a faith community more than as an institutional church,” says Anabaptists—provided they dare to cooperate with each other. Henk Stenvers, General Secretary of the Dutch churches. “Our Contacts between all groups are intensifying, though the differences in history, language, and tradition sometimes form serious obstacles. Apart from MERK; further COUNTRY GROUPS CONGREGATIONS MEMBERS exchanges take place at the seminaries at Bienenberg Austria 1 5 368 (Switzerland), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Bonn Belgium 1 2 35 (Germany); these draw on teachers from other countries France 1 33 2,100 as well, such as France. 10 (3 MWC 219 46.207 The publication of the Global Anabaptist History Germany volume Testing Faith and Tradition (2006) has been members or (75) (7.114) associates o) Ireland 1 1 25 Within the increasingly complex context of this Italy 1 5 250 continent, Anabaptists will need to be more and Lithuania 1 6 200 more interdependent. Dutch and North-German Moldova 1 10 Mennonites can learn from the Swiss and French Mennonites what genuine Anabaptist piety is. The Netherlands 1 114 8,000 large group of Umsiedler can be taught by the Portugal 1 5 150 young communities in Spain, England and Romania 2 2 63 elsewhere how tradition can be combined with Spain 1 9 379 spiritual and liturgical renewal. In turn, the Switzerland 1 14 2.500 Umsiedler can help the other groups to respect a U.K . 3 8 277 painful history. And German and Dutch Ukraine 2 11 409 Mennonites can continue to contribute a critical Approx. Russia yet open attitude towards the surrounding society. 3000 Alle G. Hoekema Chart provided by Henk Stenvers, with July 2012 MWC statistics.

2012 - 2 & 3 17 society is a post-Christian society; we news... news... news... news... news... news... think that Anabaptist faith could be an answer to post-Christendom.” Within that witness, Anabaptists are appreciated for their gifts in peace witness and social ministry. The impulse toward the Anabaptist value of community is a concern that Barbara Hege-Galle hopes can be transferred to young people. “If young people become Christians in South Germany, their formation is often limited to their own personal life,” says the member of the MWC Deacons Commission and former board member of the German Arbeitsgemeinschaft

Mennonitischer Gemeinden). “The challenge is to transfer Anabaptist ideas Nardin. by Claude Photo about community. How can we integrate French Mennonites at an Easter gathering in the Alsace region. them into the life of the church?” The search for renewal is often prominent theme in the periodic meetings of the chairperrsons of the various Anabaptist groups in Europe. Says Emmanuel Neufeld, a leader among the Swiss Mennonite Conference, “Many churches are asking what God wants us to do in our neighbourhoods and cities.” Neufeld was inspired by the storytelling at the recent MERK conference (see page 19). “There are open doors to cooperate with other churches, business people or even political leaders— to reach hands across borders and to not only talk, but to do things—in the name of Christ.”

Alle G. Hoekema is associate professor of missiology at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam and has worked as a teach- er with the Mennonite churches in the Netherlands and in Indonesia. He was Photo: courtesy of MERK one of the editors of the Global Menno Canto, a choir from the Jura region of Switzerland, present music under the Anabaptist History volume Testing Faith direction of Aurèle Gerber; at the MERK gathering in May. Seated on stage facing and Tradition. the “campfire” are from left, Silke Stanzl, Fernando Enns, Joji Pantoja and Danisa Ndlovu.

One of the challenges in Europe is, that means not only going back to the 16th relationship with Jesus, who first loved people fill the words “Anabaptist vision” century, but going back to Jesus. It us. And from this relationship to take with such different meanings. For some means being Christ-centered church, steps in the new land as sent people, it means “four-part-singing.” where spirituality and ethics go hand in seeking the best for the city (Jeremiah Others think of history (not present hand. 29) and seeking the kingdom of God. or future!) or boring traditions. And Like Helmut Thielicke used to say: Emmanuel Neufeld, pastor of the still some others think, it`s all about “The only way to live the Sermon on Schäntzli Mennonite Church in Basel, ethics, and they miss evangelism. the Mount is by the hand of the one Switzerland. Neufeld, was one of the I believe that the Anabaptist vision is who preached it!” I think the challenge devotional leaders at the General Council what some would call “Re-Jesus”, which is to really get a new passion in the meeting (see p 6-10).

18 courrier - courier - correo news... news... news... news... news... news... “Hands Reaching Across Borders” Ninth Mennonite European Regional Conference Sumiswald, Switzerland—Every six years, Mennonites in Europe gather for their regional assembly known as the Mennonite European Regional Conference (MERK). This year’s meeting, held from May 17 to 20, preceded the meetings of the Mennonite World Conference General Council at the St. Chrischona Centre near Basel. MERK drew a total of 855 people to a recreational complex in Sumiswald, Switzerland, in the heart of the Emmental region where Anabaptists have had a long and durable history.

Most participants were from the Photo: courtesy of MERK Netherlands, Germany, France, Samuel Rich (left) and Daniel Saegesser, of the Schaenzli Mennonite Church near Switzerland, and Spain, but the group Basel, dramatize how reaching hands across borders might be lived out in a included delegates from smaller banking job. Each day of the MERK conference, they presented a skit as the European conferences and visitors from introduction to the theme of the day. the MWC General Council and gathering included plenary addresses by Graber of France and Jeanet van Commissions, some 36 countries were European leaders Lukas Amstutz and Woerden of Germany explored the represented. Ruth Raab-Zerger of Germany, and subthemes “Because God Provides an “Borders— they are everywhere Philippe Gonzalez of France. opening “(on the Samaritan woman at around us and in us,” observed Louise The participants were often reminded the well, John 4) and “Because God gives Nussbaumer, president of the French that to reach out is an act. Many personal a chance to each one” (the woman association of the MWC and former stories from Europe and beyond caught in adultery, John 8) respectively. MWC Executive Committee member. punctuated the plenary meetings. Some Afternoon workshops related to the “It is argued that they protect us; in fact, were spectacular, but all bore witness to theme were well attended. Activities they isolate us and leave us alone and the faithfulness of God when people were also offered for children, youth and poor. Social, political, ethnic or cultural were ready to reach out their hands. The young adults. More than 250 volunteers boundaries block relationships.” The morning Bible studies by Anne-Cathy helped at every level and contributed to the conference’s organization. Esther Braun of Langnau, who provided crucial administrative support in the months leading up to the conference summed up the theme well: “More and more I am aware, personally, that in order to reach hands across borders, one has to let go. One has to be detached from one’s expectations, prejudices, and fears. One has to avoid

Joji and Dann Pantoja, Mennonite Church Canada workers, share stories of their peacemaking activities in violence-prone area of the Philippines, while Hansuli Gerber of Switzerland

Photo: courtesy of MERK intereprets. 2012 - 2 & 3 19 news... news... news... news... news... news... news... for fuller reports see the MWC website at www.mwc-cmm.org

Warmth, honesty mark Mennonite- Adventist dialogue Liestal, Switzerland— Henk Stenvers (The Representatives of Mennonite Netherlands), Patricia Urueña World Conference and the (Colombia), Danisa Ndlovu General Conference of (Zimbabwe), and Tom Yoder Seventh-day Adventists met in Neufeld (Canada). From the dialogue May 28-31 at the Seventh-day Adventist Bienenberg Study and Church participants were: Conference Center near Liestal. William Johnsson (Australia), This was the second round John Graz (France), Bert of dialogue based on the Beach (United States), Denis theme, “Living the Christian Fortin (Canada), Peter Life in Today’s World.” The Landless (South Africa), and first series of conversation Teresa Reeve (Canada). took place June 28 to July 1, — Photo: courtesy of MERK from joint release of MWC Simea Gyger (left)and Aline Liechti, both from the Sonnenberg 2011 at the Adventist church and the General Conference of church in the Swiss Jura region. The MERK conference world headquarters in Silver Seventh-day Adventists included workshops and events for youth and young adults. Spring, Maryland., USA. In the latest dialogue, Growth of jumping to interpretation or bring knitted socks, major papers were presented being rigid in one’s beliefs that underwear, school kits, and from each side on eschatology, women’s one’s own way has to be right. emergency health supplies. non-conformity, and theological When—with God’s help—we And they responded; they hermeneutics. In addition, networks are free in this way, other brought 190 school kits, filled shorter discussions took up barriers (religious, cultural or 54 pails with emergency questions raised by each celebrated linguistic) will not seems so health supplies and knit more communion prior to the “Like an infectious laugh that impenetrable and scary.” than 500 pairs of socks. A meeting at Bienenberg. spreads throughout a room full During the gathering one truck was hired to deliver the Mennonites responded to of people, one after another, could experience firsthand the items to Christian issues of pacifism; Sabbath; theological networks have opportunity to reach out to organizations which will take salvation and obedience; been formed by Anabaptist the other—to the one who care of the distribution. personal lifestyle; ordinances; women in Africa, South was there for the first time, For Mari Friesen, each pail hermeneutics; and America, Asia and Europe,” the one whose language one was like a seed that can bring eschatology. Adventists reports Ruth Guengerich, did not understand and forth fruit. Mathias Hofer addressed questions of codirector of Mennonite whose story one had to remembers how one elderly military service; Sabbath; Women USA (MW USA). discover. And one could also woman came, bright-eyed, contextualization; justice and Guengerich, who attended reach out to receive a word of with 20 pairs of socks that she discipleship; the role of the Mennonite World encouragement or had knit. “Finally,” she said, women; church discipline; Conference General Council exhortation, a story of “there is something I can do and eschatology. gathering 20-25 May (see forgiveness or of new with my hands, and I do it At the conclusion of the page 6 and following), met beginnings. with all my heart.” dialogue, the representatives women from around the In order for hands to be As Louise Nussbaumer drafted a statement globe, many of whom are truly extended, the said, “Hands reaching across summarizing the values of the current or past recipients of Mennonite Mission Services borders [is also] to recognize discussion and recommending MW USA International of the Swiss Mennonite invisible, never-named the dissemination of the Women’s Fund scholarships church sponsored an aid borders in our lives, and find materials generated in the for church leadership training. project for the marginalized the courage to cross them.” conversation. This paper will Guengerich met with Roma people of Serbia and be referred to the respective women from the African Albania. It was on —from reports by Elisabeth authorities of each Anabaptist Women opportunity to learn to cross Baecher and others, compiled communion Theologians, the Latin borders of prejudice with by Sylvie Gudin Koehn Participants from American Women regard to the Romas, and to Mennonite World Theologians, the Asian help break the cycle of Conference were: Robert Women Theologians, and the poverty. Each participant at Suderman (Canada), Valerie director of the Dutch MERK had been asked to Rempel (United States), Mennonite Women’s 20 courrier - courier - correo news... news... news... news... news... news... news... for fuller reports see the MWC website at www.mwc-cmm.org

Organization. All of these groups Anne Zernike Fund marks centenary had one thing in of first ordination of female pastor common: they in the Netherlands saw women in the church Netherlands—On November 6, 2011, the Anne Zernike networking in Fund was established in honour of the first Mennonite other places female pastor in the Netherlands a century after her around the globe ordination on November 5, 1911. She was also the first and began to female pastor ordained in any church in the Netherlands. organize The fund has two goals. The first is “to encourage and themselves. empower Mennonite and Anabaptist female pastors all Inspired by the over the world in their calling to God and to add, if presentations from necessary, a limited financial support to their scholarship.” African women The second is “to encourage Mennonite and Anabaptist theologians at the congregations around the world to value the skills and Photo by Ruth Guengerich 2003 MWC talents of women theologians by giving them a paid Emelia Amexo (left), Ghana, and Manjula position according to their education and capabilities as an Assembly in Roul, India, walking to worship services Zimbabwe, MW ordained pastor and honour the congregation with an during MWC General Council meetings award when they first ordain a woman pastor.” USA and the near Basel, Switzerland. African women in The idea for the fund stems from the gathering of church leadership met to support theological women theologians (mujeres teólogas) from across Latin began to explore ways of training for more women. America held just prior to the Mennonite World encouraging women in the Throughout these years, MW Conference 2009 assembly in Paraguay. church to use their gifts. USA’s International Women’s The group who established the Anne Zernike Fund In 2004, a unique Sister- Fund has continued to provide included three—Christina Duhoux-Rueb, Coot Winkler Link (a program of MW scholarships to women in Prins and Thijn Thijink—who are ordained pastors serving USA) began between MW Africa, Latin America, and a congregation within the Algemene Doopsgezinde USA and a group of African Asia for training in church Sociëteit (Mennonite Church in the Netherlands), a women in church leadership, leadership. All of the women member church of MWC. Another woman, Antje van known as “the African come from MWC member Dijk, chairs the Dutch Mennonite sister circles. Anabaptist Women and associate member —from MWC release Theologians” (AAWT). These churches. organizations were linked In hopes of empowering Advisory council Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. together with the assistance of more women, the Latin prepares to host They agreed to help increase Mennonite World Conference. American Women Theologians awareness and ownership of This five-year partnership was hosted a gathering of women Assembly 16; the upcoming assembly formed in order to increase the theologians just prior to the approves $850,000 within their respective number of African Mennonite 2009 MWC Assembly in fundraising goal denominations. They also and Brethren in Christ women Paraguay. This gathering decided to appoint members inspired women in attendance Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to a prayer network, a trained in theology by the next Both the welcome from Netherlands to establish USA— Finance Task Force and a Mennonite World Conference anticipation and the the Anne Zernike Fund (see Visa Task Force. Assembly in 2009. challenges of hosting the next sidebar). The Council approved a In 2006, Latin American Mennonite World In October 2012, Asian fundraising goal of $850,000. women saw that the AAWT Conference Assembly were Women Theologians will Of this amount $150,000 were empowering women in evident in the meeting of the meet with representatives will support the Global church leadership, and National Advisory Council from Japan, India, and Youth Summit and $300,000 organized a gathering for held here March 22-23. Indonesia. Their meeting will go into a travel fund for biblical and theological Council members, who stems from what they have the pre-assembly General reflection. This meeting represent the four inviting observed in the other women Council and the Executive provided a forum to explore denominations, spoke of the theologians’ organizations. Committee meetings. The women’s roles in the church. In “honour” and “privilege” of —from Mennonite Women rest of the money raised, 2007, MW USA helped to hosting members of the USA release along with registration fees, sponsor three women’s MWC global communion are expected to cover an theological gatherings on three for the 16th Assembly to be expected $2.8 million continents in which women held July 21-26, 2015 in budget. 2012 - 2 & 3 21 news... news... news... news... news... news... news... for fuller reports see the MWC website at www.mwc-cmm.org

The council emphasized Ndlovu invites the importance of having support for each continental region take ownership—including in a victims of financial way—of the Zimbabwe drought assemblies. Representatives of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe— On each region will be asked March 10, in the wake of how much money they can media reports of impending raise—over and above their drought, MWC president fair share contributions for Danisa Ndlovu met with ongoing MWC operations— Zimbabwe deputy Minister as the beginning of a pattern of Agriculture, who made a that will be used for future passionate plea that the assemblies. church must do something to The council also source food for Matabeleland reaffirmed its commitment South province.” to do everything it can to Ndlovu, who is also a make it possible for young bishop in Zimbabwe’s Photo by Gordon Obado adults from outside the U.S. Brethren in Christ church, Nursing mothers were given priority in the Kenya aid to get visitor visas for the reported on the meeting in a distribution. assembly. note to MWC staff. “We are MWC staff met with David also calling for prayers for Kenya Mennonites Kenya Mennonite Church, Myers, Director of one of the rain,” he said. “We have not help with aid and informed Eastern Mennonite U.S. Centers for Faith Based had any significant inflows to Missions (EMM) and and Neighborhood dams that supply our city of peace following Mennonite Central Partnerships, on March 26 to Bulawayo. It is worrying, as it border clashes Committee (MCC) workers. explore ways to best approach might mean decommissioning Kenya—In the aftermath of this Both agencies responded the visa challenge, especially as of some of the dams in the year’s border clashes between promptly with emergency aid related to young people. next few months.” Luo and Kalenjin ethnic groups for displaced persons. During the meetings, the When asked how the in eastern Kenya, Kenya “We continue to receive Council also appointed church can help, Ndlovu Mennonite Church is helping to appreciation for their timely Howard Good as National commented, “The church calls provide aid to displaced persons support both from those who Coordinator for the Assembly upon those who can partner and participating in peace were affected and from the (see item on page 27). with us in purchasing food initiatives. government,” wrote Obado. Council members include: that can be distributed to In late February and early “We saw God’s new society in Richard Thomas (chair), needy communities. We think March, over 6,000 people these men and women. It is Elizabeth Soto Albrecht and people can initiate projects were displaced when Kalenjin true they have become a visual Sheldon Good from within their communities that youth raided a number of Luo aid before a watching world.” Mennonite Church USA; they can work on in exchange communities and burned Now that the violence has Dennis Becker (officer), of food rations.” crops and houses. The abated, the focus is on Lynn Jost and Ed Boschman He added, “It will be violence was touched off by continuing support for from the U.S. Conference of necessary as a church to incidents of cattle theft. displaced persons and also on Mennonite Brethren think not only how people “It is hard and emotional,” addressing issues that caused Churches; Warren Hoffman, can be helped but domestic wrote Gordon Obado, “to put the violence. According to Don McNiven (secretary) animals too, which are down [in writing] the episode Obado, the joint peace and Chris Sharp from the considered by many in these of what is now referred to as initiatives of various Brethren in Christ General communities as security. It is the border clashes…that organizations and churches Conference; Lowell Bender also clear that communities shocked the whole nation.” include joint meetings of Luo and David Kochsmeier that need food now will need Obado is program and Kalenjin elders and a (officer) from the seed and farming inputs coordinator for the Relief and petition to the government Conservative Mennonite down the road if they are to Development arm of Kenya “to resolve the boundary issue Conference. grow their own food.” Mennonite Church in the on a large tract of land which Kisumu East Diocese. Obado initially belonged to some —from MWC release —from MWC release reported that when the Asian tycoons and whose violence broke out, Clyde leasehold had elapsed.” Agola, the general secretary of —from MWC release

22 courrier - courier - correo news... news... news... news... news... news... news... for fuller reports see the MWC website at www.mwc-cmm.org Burkina Faso Seminars encourage spiritual renewal and relationships Orodara, Burkina Faso— During the second week of February, more than 100 Mennonite women met in Orodara for the annual women’s seminar of l’Eglise Evangélique Mennonite (EEM—Evangelical Mennonite Church) of Burkina Faso. As in the past, the seminar combines adult

continuing education, Photo by Siaka Traoré. business training, spiritual Marie and Bala Sourabie enjoy time together at the couples’ seminar in Orodara, Burkina Faso. renewal and recreation. Bala Sourabie is the national treasurer of Eglise Evangélique Mennonite in Burkina Faso. Since the Burkina church has only 374 baptized deepened their knowledge between a father and his of Siaka, added that husbands members, the participation of about marital relationships, children. and wives were talking over a quarter of the national the importance of “After attending the together more—and making church does much to raise the communication, mutual seminar, the father was able to time to pray together, too. spiritual vitality of the church, forgiveness, child psychology, talk to his children himself,” “Communication with increasing the capacity to share and pedagogy, and resource Traoré said. “They resolved each other and God really the Bread of Life with management and other topics. the issues threatening to reduces problems in the surrounding communities. Siaka Traoré, president of divide the family without home,” Claire Traoré said. The effect of such the EMM, told how, in the outside mediation.” —from a release by Lynda conferences was also clear last wake of the August seminar, Claire Traoré, president of Hollinger-Janzen for August at a couples seminar. church leaders were called to the Burkina Faso Mennonite Mennonite Mission Network Nearly 80 men and women intervene in a disagreement women’s association and wife (Mennonite Church USA)

Aid to residents of temporary housing a focus of Japan relief work Japan—Assistance to residents the 153 families in temporary of temporary housing is one housing. Food was assembled way that Japan Mennonite in a temporary community Fellowship (JMF) is focusing hall in a residential area. its ongoing work of relief Assisting Japan Mennonite assistance following the March Fellowship in the aid initiative 2011 earthquake and tsunami. were members of Hiroshima By the end of December, Mennonite Church. many shelters had closed and Japan Mennonite Fellowship, affected people had to move which represents four MWC into temporary housing as the member churches in Japan, first step to independence. formed the East Japan Great Japan Mennonite Disaster Relief Assistance Fellowship decided to help Committee in May 2011 to the people from Kesennuma coordinate response to the Photo by Bert Lobe Pastor Hiroshi Minegishi and his wife Yosocho in the midst of First Bible Baptist Church earthquake and tsunami disaster. the remains of the Baptist Church in Kesennuma in 2011. which was completely leveled —from reports translated by Pastor Minegishi commented: “Some live with God, and some by the tsunami. Aid so far has Takanori Sasaki, chair of without God. We choose to live with God. When we surrender included food distribution to Japan Mennonite Fellowship everything we get the blessing, and we win.” 2012 - 2 & 3 More news on page 31 23 Straddling Laos and Zimbabwe By Linda Espenshade

Vientiane, Laos—Godswill Muzarabani grew up straddling two cultures in Zimbabwe. His father was from the majority ethnic group, Shona, and his mother was Ndebele, the minority ethnic group—classifications that have led to violence between the groups at worst and a recognized distinction at best. “I became a person who can relate to everyone,” he said. He could fit in with the language and culture regardless which group he was relating to. That ability served him well when he went to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao) with YAMEN! in 2011 MCC Photo by Silas Crews and 2012. There he learned to respect different religions and different Godswill Muzarabani of Zimbabwe teaches English in Lao People’s Democratic understandings of peace and still value Republic. Some of the same students he teaches are part of the peacebuilding club, and relate to the person. Mittapab, that he works with on weekends. Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network (YAMEN!) is a joint hurt their heart.” This belief, however, “Here some are Muslim; some believe program of Mennonite Central means that Laotians tend to allow people in spirits. They can sit down and discuss Committee (MCC) and Mennonite to take advantage of them and rich their religion and share. In some cases, World Conference (MWC). It places people to exploit them, he said. people change to become Christians young adults from MWC-member “If I could take the two societies and because of the example of the next churches in the Global South in other mesh them together: Laotians wouldn’t person. I’ve learned how to give someone countries of the Global South for cross- go out and fight, but they would still space to change instead of pointing and cultural learning and service. know how to protest and do it judging and trying to convert them.” Muzarabani’s biggest concern about nonviolently,” he said. “If people in my Because he was willing to listen, learn going to Lao was how he would adjust to country would think about the heart as and share, Laotians treated him like he living among Buddhists and Hindus, much as these people do, they wouldn’t belonged. “Oh you are not foreign; you after growing up in a country where be fighting, but they would probably go are one of us,” he’s been told. people predominantly identify and protest. Soldiers wouldn’t beat up Next year, Muzarabani will be an themselves as Christian. people because they know it will hurt MWC intern in MCC’s United Nations “I thought it was going to be them inside.” Office if his visa is approved. The position impossible,” Muzarabani said. “I thought, Muzarabani’s assignment through is offered through MCC’s International ‘Imagine living with someone who YAMEN! was to teach English in a Volunteer Exchange Program. doesn’t believe the same as me.’ When I secondary school and to teach Eventually he wants to return to came, it was even worse because we even peacebuilding through Mittapab, a Zimbabwe and stay there for a long time, work with Buddhists.” peacebuilding club for secondary students. he said. As the eldest son, he is It didn’t take very long in Laos for He graduated from Solusi University in responsible to care for his immediate Muzarabani to respect Buddhists for Zimbabwe with a bachelor’s degree in family and contribute to his extended their peaceful way of living. From the peace and conflict studies. family—an obligation he wants to fulfill. kind way they respond to a mistake to As students grew to respect him and as He’s also eager to bring together what the way they perceive conflict, Buddhists his Lao language improved, they started he has learned in Laos and will learn in are even more peaceful than Christians, looking for opportunities to talk with the U.S. with his own Ndebele and he concluded. him. Laotians asked him many questions Shona cultures, working to build peace In Zimbabwe, physically fighting is a about his culture and beliefs, and he among youth and in his church. common way to resolve a conflict, asked about theirs. political or personal, he said, but in Laos, They discussed differences, like skin color, Linda Espenshade is news coordinator for conflict is about the heart. The belief is: but they’ve also found many similarities: MCC U.S. “If you say something bad about poverty, music and value of extended family. someone, be careful because you might They also discussed religion.

24 courrier - courier - correo Resources to help deepen global relationships The main resource that Mennonite World Conference offers is a French) A one minute in four continental regions. network of relationships as the global Anabaptist community adaptation called We’re Not The stories have been told by shares their experiences and understandings of Christ. A related Alone is also available. voices from within these resource is the reciprocal sharing of gifts within the diverse global Another video shares Stories of regions. The volumes family of faith. Service of the Mennonite produced so far include: Church in six countries, with Anabaptist Songs in African To help facilitate this exchange, Mennonite World Conference has an accompanying study. Hearts (2003); Testing Faith developed resources such as the following, all available through the (Available in English, Spanish, and Tradition (2006, Europe); MWC website (mwc-cmm.org) or one of the MWC offices. French.) Migration and Mission (2010, Latin America); and Churches Global Anabaptist Shelf of Shared Convictions. This World Day of Prayer, Engage Asian Traditions Literature. This list includes (2011). The fifth volume on document, adopted by the observed in May. (Available in titles to help member churches North America is scheduled MWC General Council in English and Spanish.) nurture a common Christian to be released in late 2012. 2006, is serving as an Faith. Titles listed so far are: Issues of Courier/Correo/ (All volumes are in English, important theological by Courrier going back to From Anabaptist Seed with translations of some into reference point for member Arnold Snyder; 2001. This archive of Sharing Gifts selected languages.) churches. (Available in quarterly issues yields a rich in the Global Family of Faith English, Spanish, French.) by Pakisa Tshimika and Tim Healing Memories, collection of inspirational and Lind; by Reconciling in Christ: Worship resources for Peace teaching materials, as well as God’s Shalom Project Bernhard Ott; Report of the Lutheran- Sunday. Member churches are summaries of news from A Culture of by Alan Kreider, Eleanor Mennonite International encouraged to observe this across the globe. (Available in Peace Kreider, and Paulus Widjaja; Study Commission. This day on the Sunday nearest to English, Spanish, French.) by Bedru booklet caps the work of the September 21, which is the Stewardship for All? Hussein and Lynn Miller; Lutheran-Mennonite Study International Day of Peace, as News service searchable by Commission, which designated by the United archive. The current MWC What we Believe Together Alfred Neufeld Friesen. (All completed its five-year Nations. For 2012, the MWC website includes over 100 titles are available in English; dialogue in 2010. The process Peace Sunday is September news articles going back to the some have been translated culminated in the historic 23.(Available in English, early months of 2010. (Most into other languages.) step of Lutherans asking Spanish, French.) service items are in English only; some are translated into Anabaptist-Mennonites for Global Mennonite History Worship resources for World Spanish and French.) forgiveness for past Project. Initiated in 1997, Fellowship Sunday Member persecutions. (Available from . this project has so far churches are encouraged to Videos. A five-minute video, MWC in English, Spanish, produced four volumes observe this day on the Sunday Beyond Assemblies was French and German. ) tracing the origins, closest to January 21. On this produced shortly after the development and mission of day, in 1525, the first 2009 MWC Assembly in Anabaptist-related churches Anabaptist baptism was held Paraguay. (English, Spanish, in Zurich, Switzerland. (Resources for 2012 are available in English, Spanish, French and German. Resources for 2013 will be available in October, with some parts appearing in Courier.) Worship resources for the World Day of Prayer. Starting in 2010, the Latin American Women Theologians have prepared materials to help Anabaptist- related churches worship in solidarity with other Christian communions on the 2012 - 2 & 3 25 MWC people and faces

Len Rempel Anna Sorgius Liesa Unger Ron Rempel MWC Operations Team appointed In January, when the MWC head office opened in Bogotá Colombia, a new staff structure was also put in place, reflecting the growth and maturity of MWC. One of the first tasks of César García was to establish an Operations Team to share responsibilities. Len Rempel of New and executive assistant to the responsible for the overall children and three Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, General Secretary. She moved program, worship, workshops, grandchildren. They are is Chief Operating Officer to Bogotá, Colombia and assembly scattered in the members of Stirling Avenue responsible for finances and following the closure of the US in 2015. Liesa and her Mennonite Church in budget, maintaining and Strasbourg office in June. husband Wilhelm Unger are Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. monitoring staffing, policies While in France, Anna co-pastors of the Mennonite Still to be appointed is a and job descriptions. Rempel, attended the Strasbourg Church in Regensburg. Chief Development Officer a Certified Management Mennonite Church. responsible for managing and Accountant, began working Ron Rempel of Waterloo, planning a global strategy for for MWC in March 2011. Liesa Unger of Regensburg, Ontario as part time Chief fundraising and capacity Len is married to Kathleen Germany is part time Chief Communications Officer building. and together they parent International Events Officer responsible for managing and Also envisioned in the new three children. They are responsible to lead the planning the global structure are several coordina- members of Tavistock organization of MWC communications strategy, and tor positions reporting to the Mennonite Church. international events such as overseeing the General Secretary. One is a Executive Committee and communication program that Anna Sorgius of Strasbourg, Coordinator of Commissions General Council meetings currently includes news —Faith and Life, Deacons, France is Chief and Global Assemblies. Unger service, Courier magazine and Administrative Officer Mission, and Peace. The sec- has worked with MWC in the website. Rempel began as ond is a Coordinator of responsible for managing the various capacities for the past news editor in November general secretariat office, Regional Offices. The goal is decade. She coordinated the 2011. Ron, who retired in to have an MWC office in membership, database, logistics for the recent 2011 as Executive Director of archiving, translators. Sorgius each of the five continental General Council meetings in Mennonite Publishing regions—Latin America, has worked for MWC for 13 Switzerland in May. She will Network (now called years, mostly as manager of Africa, Asia and Pacific, lead the Assembly (16) MennoMedia), is married to Europe, and North America. office of Strasbourg, France, Program Planning Group Kaye and they have two

YAMEN participants for 2011-2012 In addition to Godswill Muzarabani, (featured on page 24), eight other young adults participated in the South-to-South exchange program jointly sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite World Conference. They include Kenia Zulema Vasquez Nuñez of the Iglesia Anabautista in Bolivia, serving in Mozambique; Luisa Alejandra Santos Montoya of the Iglesia Evangelica Menonita in Honduras, serving in Nicaragua;Yohane Ephraim Mbewe of Malawi’s Brethren in Christ Church, serving in Brazil; Brighton Mashebe of Zambia’s Brethren in Christ Church, serving in Brazil; Nancy Isabella Sabas Gonzalez of the Iglesia Evangelica Menonita in Honduras serving in Indonesia; Aristiya “Tiya” Dwiyanti of Indonesia’s Gereja Kristen Muria (GKMI) Indonesia , serving in Cambodia; Nicole Knelsen Hubert of the Hermanos Menonitas in Paraguay, serving in Indonesia; Janny Lweendo Hachilenge of Zambia’s Brethren in Christ Church serving in Indonesia.

26 courrier - courier - correo MWC people and faces

MWC volunteers indispensable to Switzerland gatherings As with MWC Assemblies, the triennial General Council meetings could not go forward without the dozens of volunteers, many of whom donated much of their vacation time. For the meetings of the General Council and related sub groups that spread between May 10 and June 2 in Basel, Chief Events Officer Liesa Unger, who oversaw a complex plan of volunteer work, acknowledges the huge contribution of the volunteers: Arnold Voth and Egon Sawatzky Asunción, Paraguay recruited and coordinated 23 interpreters who each gave Howard Good Bert Lobe between one day and three weeks of their time to translate sessions into Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese. Planners named for Assembly 16 Markus Rediger, Swiss member of the MWC Executive Committee, worked tirelessly with Swiss officials on behalf When US-based National and communication. He will of participants who faced challenges in obtaining visas. Advisory Council met in also provide initial leadership, Bruno and Heidi Sägesser of Basel coordinated dozens March to begin the work of along with Merle and Phyllis of volunteer chauffeurs for airport and train station hosting Assembly 16 (see page Good of Lancaster, pickups at all hours of the day and night. Doris Hege of 21), it appointed Howard Pennsylvania, USA, in Frankfurt coordinated airport welcome in her city. Good of Lititz, Pennsylvania, assembly fundraising. Bert, a Members of the three congregations in Basel— USA, as National Coordinator veteran leader in MWC and Schänzli, Bruggi, and Holee—helped with registration, for the event. In this role, he Mennonite Central lent bicycles, prepared celebration desserts (Erhard will lead the Assembly Logistic Committee, will retire as Bitterli and Christine Hofer), or sang in a choir (led by Planning Group, which will North American Margrit Ramseier). Emanuel Neufeld, pastor of the arrange food services, representative in December. Schänzli church, helped with coordination and transportation, lodging, local He and his wife Martha are encouragement, and Gilbert and Rebecca Krähenbühl tours and other practical parents to four adult children of Basel, Christine Fehrle and Barbara Kärcher of aspects of the assembly. For his and grandparents to six. The Karlsruhe provided medical and other support onsite. MWC involvement, Howard Goods, who are also In addition to European hosts, spouses of MWC staff will be seconded for some of communications consultants and participants also gave of their time to help with his time from his ongoing for MWC, are parents to two meals, distribution of headsets, registration, and hosting. work as vice president for adult daughters and belong to A big thank you to all! Association Engagement with East Chestnut St. Mennonite Mennonite Economic Church in Lancaster. Development Associates. Howard and his wife Gloria are parents of four adult children and one grandchild. They are members of Lititz Mennonite Church. Howard will also work as part of the assembly planning team, directed by Chief Karen Flores, left, translated International Events Officer for the Young Anabaptists Liesa Unger (see profile on (YABs) Committee during the page 26). Also on that team is General Council meetings in Bert Lobe, North American May. Here she consults with Representative, from St. fellow volunteer Arnold Voth Jacobs, Ontario, Canada. Bert of Paraguay, who helped will provide initial coordinate some 30 volunteer coordination for the Visa and staff translators. Photo by Bastien Gegenheimer Task Force, the Prayer Team

2012 - 2 & 3 27 World Fellowship Sunday — January 27, 2013 For your prayer... Plan now! Every January, Anabaptist churches around the world take time Please reserve this day—or a different Sunday if to celebrate their common identity in Christ—sharing similar necessary—for a special celebration of global unity in MWC. Scripture texts, sermon themes, and worship resources. Will A group of writers from the Mennonite Brethren, Mennonite, your congregation participate? and Brethren in Christ churches in Colombia, with the The next World Fellowship Sunday (WFS) falls on January participation of Mennonite Central Committee, is preparing 27, 2013, six days after the anniversary of the day in 1525 a set of worship resources which will be available when a group of believers in Zurich, Switzerland, practiced electronically in October, with selections also appearing in adult baptism, rather than the state-mandated infant baptism. the next issue of Courier-Correo-Courrier.

Two stories from 2012 World Fellowship Sunday Photo by Alman Luis Maria Ines Rearte, member of the pastoral committee at the Ramos Mejia church, explains the origin of World Fellowship Sunday. Maria Ines is the niece of the first Argentinian Mennonite pastor. Argentina “How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters Photo by Alman Luis dwell in unity!” With a song inspired by these words from Psalm 133, Argentine Mennonite Evangelical Guillermo Steinfeld of Buenos Aires shares his views during a Alliance in Boulogne welcomed the Ramos Mejía and discussion on the meaning and value of our Anabaptist heritage Ituzaingó congregations of Buenos Aires for a joint WFS and the importance of hospitality for Historic Peace Churches. celebration. We merged our voices in a variety of songs of joy and fraternity, Bible readings and sharing about each lives. Then, with equal enthusiasm we gathered around the congregation’s activities. There was a special time for table to share a holy agape meal. historical memories, and for prayers of thanksgiving and —Juan Angel (Tito) Gutierrez, pastor of the Boulogne intercession for local and international needs. In the biblical congregation reflection, we were called to be grateful “hosts” in our daily

Costa Rica This year a group from different churches in the country traveled to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, north of the Sandra Campos Caribbean, on January 29. About 425 people participated stands at the pulpit and in a lively worship service and then a time of fellowship. welcomes Milton “This was our fourth gathering and we find that each year Bontrager and his wife new people join in the celebration,” said Sandra Campos, Joan from the US, who president of the Asociación de Iglesias Cristianas some 46 years ago Menonitas (Christian Mennonite Association of were in Costa Rica as Churches) de Costa Rica, and a member of the Executive voluntary service Committee of MWC. workers. 28 courrier - courier - correo World Fellowship Sunday — January 27, 2013 For your prayer...

Prayer requests from the General Council Answered prayer: Panama’s Wounaan The triennial General Council meetings (see community receives land rights pages 6 to 15) included a great deal of In April of this year, reporting, decision-making, theological MWC’s news service reflection and fellowship. But on the last passed on an urgent day, when 45 minutes were allotted for request from the delegates to share anything that was on their Iglesia Evangélica hearts, it wasn’t the business that filled most Unida Hermanos of the time: rather, it was pleas for prayer Menonitas de Panamá from Latin American and African (United Evangelical delegates. They asked us to pray: Mennonite Brethren r
For the churches of Belize, Panama Church of Panama) to (see separate item), Mexico, Kenya, the global church: to Ethiopia, Guatemala, Congo and pray for a peaceful Zimbabwe in the context of settlement of land increasing violence; claims, following a From left: Tiliano Tovar, a leader of the community confrontation between r
For the churches of Angola, in Puerto Lara; Elibardo Membache, leader of the members of the Zimbabwe and Kenya in anticipation Collective Land in Embera; Cardenio Membora, Wounaan community of national elections; Cacique del Pueblo, leader of the Wounaan and loggers. Several r
For the Meserete Kristos church people; Aladino Bipuru, a leader of the community people had died in the Ethiopia, as it works to recover in Puerto Lara. confrontation, properties confiscated by the including a community leader Aquilo and Caña Blanca). All this is the result government 30 years ago; Opúa, brother-in-law of Hermes of years of hard work, sacrifice, r
For the resolution of a leadership Barrigón, a leader in the IEUHMP. patience, frustration and even death. conflict in one member church; On June 5, IEUHMP leaders Thanks to God, the right they were r
For one member church in Africa emailed MWC offices with a note that claiming for years is a reality today.” facing persecution from their the dispute had been resolved: “Today Later communications from the government; is an historical day in Panama. For the church, however, indicated that similar first time, the Wounaan received an work remains for other territories r
For churches in Paraguay, Nicaragua official certificate for their collective where their members live. The church and Zimbabwe dealing with food lands in two territories (Puerto Lara calls for continued prayers. insecurity because of drought or floods.

Colombian Anabaptists pray for victims, perpetrators and peacemakers On April 15 and 16, several congregations human rights violations against of Colombia’s three Anabaptist churches, Colombia’s faith community occurred in along with friends and churches in North 2009, the most recent year for which America, participated in “Days of Prayer statistics are available. The prayer and and Action” to pray and advocate for the action event, sponsored by Mennonite internally displaced people of their Central Committee and other faith-based country, and for the victims, perpetrators groups, included the annual tradition of and peacemakers related to conflict. holding special Sunday prayer services

According to Colombia’s Internally among congregations of the Iglesia MCC Photo by Silas Crews. Displaced Monitoring Center, armed Menonita (Mennonite Church), Iglesias Argemiro Joaquin Maza Contreras is a conflict has forced five million Hermanos Menonitas (Mennonite campesino from the Mampujan Colombians from their lands and homes. Brethren) and Iglesia Hermandad en community in Colombia. “Campesino” Justapaz, a ministry of the Iglesia Cristo (Brethren in Christ). Organizers refers to a person from rural Latin Cristiana Menonita de Colombia also called on churches in the United America, often a farmer or farm worker. (Mennonite Church of Colombia), notes States to speak to policy makers in their He was displaced from his home in that at least 69 documented cases of country to advocate for peace and justice. 2000 by violence. 2012 - 2 & 3 29 Financial Report ews... news... news... news... news... news... MWC: Thanks for your generous support! inancial results for MWC for the year ending December 31, 2011 were better 2011 Unrestricted Income for than anticipated. Total income in the operations: $895,487 Funrestricted fund (for general operating Congregations expenses) was up more than $100,000 from 8% 2010 due primarily to a large increase in contributions in the Leadership Transition Agencies 6% Campaign. Total unrestricted contributions for Member Churches 23% the year were $735,240 and total income Foundations 0.1% including investment income and management fees charged to restricted funds totaled Management Fees $895,487. 16% MWC member churches, regional Individual Contributions conferences, and local congregations made up 45% over 30% of the income, while individuals Investment Income contributed 45% of the income. Other income 2% came through contributions from agencies and Other Income 0.5% foundations and management fees charged to restricted funds and investment income. Unrestricted expenses for 2011 were the same as the previous year and $40,000 less than 2011 Unrestricted Expenses for the budget. Since this year was part of the transition time when MWC anticipated operations: $930,128 USD deficits, the combination of increased income Administrative Costs and lower than expected expenses put MWC 3% $170,000 ahead of its budgeted financial Travel Meeting Costs Advocacy/Fundraising results. 6% 11% 2% Beginning in 2013, after the transition time, Commissions 3% MWC has committed to operating with an Executive Committee annual surplus in the unrestricted fund. and Officers 4% The charts show the sources of income as Inter-Church Relations News Service & well as the distribution of expenses for the year. 2% Publications The third chart shows the allocation of 12% restricted fund expenses, which are supported Staff by special, designated donations separate from 49% Office Costs donations for regular operations. More detailed 7% reports for 2011 are available upon request by Other Expenses contacting the MWC offices. 1% Because of the Assembly in 2015, the budgets for both the Assembly Fund and Travel Fund (restricted) will be significantly 2011 Restricted Fund Expenses: higher for 2014 and 2015. Otherwise, $283,094 projections for 2012 through 2014 show little Women in Theology change in regular (unrestricted) income or 0.2% expenses—although if additional income is Travel Fund 26% received it will enable MWC to undertake new Service Consultation opportunities for the future. 8% Other Funds Many thanks to all who have supported 14% Koinonia Delegations MWC this past year, not only financially, but 3% also through many gifts of time and talent. — Len Rempel, Chief Operations Officer Global Church Sharing Young Anabaptists 30% 9%

Global Mission Fellowship 3% Global Mennonite History 7% 30 courrier - courier - correo ews... news... news... news... news... news...

Church in India energy, new assurance and new from Zimbabwe, Zambia and celebrates vision, so that we may glorify Botswana were in attendance. our almighty God and our The first BIC congregation centennial Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.” in South Africa was begun in Dhamtari, India—The Myron S. Augsburger of 1988 in Soshanguve by the late Mennonite Church in India Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA, Rev. Hamilton Madlabane. In (MCI) celebrated its 100th who attended the festivities the early 1990s, another BIC anniversary Oct. 27-30 with a with his wife, Esther, noted branch began in Hillbrow, gathering of about 1,000 that Westerners have stepped Johannesburg, as many BIC people at Sunderganj aside over time, allowing members from Zimbabwe

Mennonite Church. leadership to emerge from the moved to South Africa after Photo courtesy Andrew of Suderman The MCI, one of eight Indian community of faith. the economic downturn in Rev. Benedict Ndiweni. MWC member churches in The focus of the conference Zimbabwe. These two India, traces its origins to a came from Revelation 3:3: congregations were the cannot be questioned. In short, 1912 meeting in Balodgahan “Remember therefore what building blocks of the BICC is bringing into the fore convened by Mennonite you have received and heard. BICCSA, which currently the issue of accountability.” mission workers and visiting Obey it and repent.” numbers 13 congregations Bishop Thuma Hamukang’andu, as chairman representatives of the — Mennonite Weekly Review with 1,246 members. Mennonite Board of Missions AT the celebration, of IBICA (and a member of the Mennonite World and Charities, who together Brethren in Christ BICCSA overseer Reverend drafted a constitution. Benedict Macebo Ndiweni Conference Executive MCI moderator and bishop Church in South noted that the BICCSA’s Committee), presented the C.F. Nath said it is important Africa celebrates Anabaptist emphasis on the certificate of conference status to Rev. Ndiweni. to remember the “foundation conference status community contrasts with stones” of the past. “These 100 many churches in South The Brethren in Christ Johannesburg, South Africa— years are full of experiences Africa. “Many churches are Church in South Africa and information,” he said. We At a celebration held October (BICCSA) is linked with 14-16, 2011, the Brethren in owned by the founder have to learn from them and members,” he said. “Churches Mennonite World go ahead with new ideas, new Christ Church in South Africa Conference through the (BICCSA) commemorated its are owned by particular families. If a minister dies, the International Brethren in recognition as a conference of Christ Association (IBICA), the International Brethren in son takes over. You see DPVSSJFS churches resorting to the an associate MWC member. Christ Association (IBICA). — Andrew Suderman, director DPVSJFS
The celebration was held in courts to decide the successor. The church leaders become of the Anabaptist Network in DPSSFP the Hillbrow BIC church of South Africa 7PMVNF

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2—3 Johannesburg. Representatives like traditional kings. They César García Publisher Ron Rempel Byron Rempel-Burkholder Help with the costs of Courrier - Courier - Correo Editor C-C-C is published by Menno nite World Conference on a non-subscription basis. Ryan Roth Bartel However, readers are urged to contribute $40US, $40 CAD, or 35€ toward the Designer Eleanor Miller costs of printing and distribution. Those who are able are invited to give more on Communications Assistant behalf of those in the MWC family who have less. Sylvie Gudin French Translator Marisa & Eunice Miller Find enclosed Find enclosed Find enclosed Spanish Translators $____in US funds. $____ in Canadian funds. ____€ in Euros. Courrier - Correo - Courier, published quarterly by Men- Mail to MWC Mail to MWC Mail to MWC nonite World Conference in 2529 Willow Avenue 50 Kent Avenue 8 rue du Fossé des Treize English, Spanish, and French Clovis CA 93612 Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 67000 Strasbourg editions, is available on request. Send all corres pon- United States Canada France dence to C-C-C, MWC, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, Bogotá, Check my address label on the back of this form for corrections. Colombia. email: [email protected] Please send it electronically to the following email address and cancel my print subscription: ______

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Building a diverse, multicultural community An interview with César García

Over a span of three weeks in May, almost 300 leaders from the Mennonite World Conference community came to Basel, Switzerland, to network, to make decisions, to collaborate in ministry and to build relationships (see features inside). In his new role as General Secretary, César García reflected on those intense weeks. What was the most significant development in May? What challenges stood out for you? César: For me it was the work we did on our communication César: One of the biggest challenges is the finances to achieve strategy. The core of the strategy is to have our our goals. Even though our budget is limited, we don’t own communications available in our three working languages buildings, our staff is very small, many positions are volunteer, (English, Spanish and French), whether news releases, and we keep our budget low—the tasks of building community theological articles, core documents or other materials. implies a big financial effort. There is the tendency in Through a variety of media—electronic, social, print and in responding to the challenge by focusing on what we can do person—we want to strengthen our ability to enjoy, in the life with the resources we have currently. However, for these of our local congregations, the life of the global community. A coming years, we have asked ourselves, “What do we think related development will be the creation of regional God is saying to us?” And then, in light of that, we want to representation in MWC, where more tasks are carried out in pray, plan and work, trusting that the resources will come. the continental areas. This will increase our ability to nurture visibility, share financial resources and do specific work that is What did you hear God saying to the churches? relevant in the regional contexts. César: In this age, God is speaking as never before about the importance of global community, about the necessity of building What inspired you most about the meetings? a multicultural family of faith that witnesses to Christ. Our César: The diversity of gifts and ministries focusing around societies are not impacted in a relevant way by churches with a Christ and the work of his body, the church. Some meetings lot of money, members and power, or by a gospel based just on focused on church planting and service, and others focused on feelings and individual fulfillment. Our societies will get tired of peace, social development, administration, Anabaptist identity, that. But when they see a global family working together in spite or education. There were times of theological reflection, of cultural differences or political boundaries, and when they see sharing, laughing, eating, praying, and worshiping together. All such a church loving each other, serving together as a global of that diversity, which allows MWC to focus on Christ from community—that shows something that you don’t see anywhere different perspectives, ministries, cultures, ways of thinking— else: a God who has thrown off the boundaries and formed a that’s something that builds the body of Christ in a way that is new family. That is something that will touch the world. not possible in other settings. The last prayer of Christ was for unity among believers as a An emerging gift in MWC is the desire of some specialized way of showing the nations that Jesus was ministries to work globally with other parts of the body of Christ the Messiah. God is saying to the churches that are interested in the same area of work. Participants were that we can’t impact the world by ourselves; saying “Let’s be together in education, or peacemaking, or we really need a global family of faith. That writing history.” That desire to share resources, wisdom and is why people in ministry are networking theology has been there for a long time, but it was evident in this around the world. That is why MWC exists. particular Council that the desire is growing in a progressive way. César García works out of the MWC head The diversity is very special, but we also don’t want to fragment; office in Bogotá, Colombia. we recognize that we’ll also need to work together.