April 2013 Volume 28, Number 1

2 Communication Then and Now 5 Being a Peace Church 7 Pennsylvania 2015 News 8 ‘The Winds of are Blowing’ in Chile 10 ‘Learning to Know Each Other Better’

Inserts Courier News MWC Peace Poster

Cover Photo: During the recent Southern Cone meetings in Chile, members of the Latin American Anabaptist Women Theologians Movement passed a ball of yarn from person to person. The interwoven strands illustrate Communications Then and Now the network formed through mutual support with unity in Christ. Photo by Puertachile Former editors reflect on MWC communications

Milka Rindzinski J. Lorne Peachey Byron Rempel-Burkholder Editor 1997-2006 Managing Editor 2002-2006, Editor 2006-2010 Editor 2010-2012

A very positive aspect of MWC Accepting the invitation to I feel enormously blessed to is the opportunity to learn join the staff of Courier/ have been Courier/Correo/ about, recognize and value Correo/Courrier brought Courrier editor and news other cultures. In my task of its share of surprises. After service writer during some translating, I came to appreciate editing magazines for the U.S. key moments in MWC history, the way others used images and Mennonite Church for more particularly the Lutheran- metaphors to describe Christian than 30 years, I thought I knew Mennonite reconciliation events faith. I especially valued how most of what there was to know in 2010 in Stuttgart, Germany, an African woman theologian interpreted the about print journalism. I soon discovered and the shifting of MWC’s general secretariat old traditional sacrifice of a young girl to get I knew very little, at least as it applied to to the Global South at the end of 2011. What rain on the fields as a prefiguration of Christ’s international communication. an honour! sacrifice: the Creator preparing the way for his For instance, I learned how complex One of the goals of my work with C/C/C and universal plan. language can be. I thought I knew how to edit the news service was to facilitate the sharing Another important personal experience so the result was simple communication. Yet of our diverse stories of being Anabaptist came many years ago, during a meeting of how often would my translators come back to in a changing world – stories of how we the MWC Executive Committee in which the me and tell me there was no way to translate experience God in our cultures, stories of conversation centred on writing the history of an English idiom or phrase into either Spanish churches helping each other in material and the churches on every continent. On impulse or French! spiritual ways, stories of the ways we support I stood up and said, “Yes, but that should be My goal always was to publish C/C/C in each other in sharing in God’s mission to bring from the local perspectives.” When we went more languages than English, Spanish and good news to the world. out on break, a brother from Tanzania affirmed French. MWC includes far more than these At times this important and necessary work what I had said. His comment assured me that three tongues. But constraints on funds and was relatively easy. But the sharing of stories we were going in the right direction. personnel never permitted this step. and experiences at the grassroots level, from One day Courier/Correo/Courrier changed We did experience some successes. For South to North, and East to West, was more its look to a “deluxe” publication in terms of one, we began printing the French edition for difficult. Yet this is increasingly important to quality of paper, photos and writing, becoming the Congolese churches in the Democratic us in the global community. I was privileged the beautiful magazine we have today. Is it Republic of Congo. This was a first step in to have a part in facing the challenge of doing perhaps too precious? I know of no others realizing my dream of printing the quarterly that effectively. of the same quality published in our global magazine in-country, thereby reducing I am thrilled to see the task being ecclesial context. the biggest expense in publishing C/C/C: carried forward by a larger and younger Are there any changes that should be international distribution. But the constraints Communications team, which is forging new sought to achieve greater balance? Most of financing kept us from fully realizing that vehicles designed to reach more and more MWC news and feature articles are still dream. people in the MWC family, and in nimbler principally written and edited by profes- C/C/C is an important part of the glue that ways. I wish the Communications team sionals from the North, unavoidably from their holds the MWC world together. The challenge continued wisdom and creativity in making own point of view. Why not explore national for MWC will be to find new glue, whatever its available to us all the wonderful stories of publications in all continents to select news form. I am confident it will happen. God’s work among us, in all corners of the to be quoted in C/C/C? Then we would have a MWC world. publication that included all points of view.

1976 1984 1986 1990 1997 2000 2001

First issue of MWC Newsletter First issue of Willard Roth Milka Rindzinski Phyllis Pellman Ferne Burkhart MWC Newsletter, discontinued Courier, a appointed appointed Editor Good becomes becomes News a quarterly quarterly Editor of Courier of both Courier Assistant Editor of Editor publication; magazine, and Correo Courier. Magazine introduction of with David Shelley becomes MWC logo, which as Editor. A trilingual, with is still in use Spanish edition, English, Spanish Correo, also and French started. (Courrier) editions Timeline

2 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2013 Communications Then and Now

Abiding goals and changing channels

by Ron Rempel

his issue of Courier/Correo/ “a web or grid with intersecting lines.” Courrier reflects some changes: When Larry Miller became General a new design, an inserted Secretary in 1990, he reaffirmed the role newsletter. An accompanying of Courier as “one instrument for the article announces other changes continuing work of nurturing community, in the overall communication plan of communication and cooperation in our TMennonite World Conference, including a worldwide family of faith.” new website and a monthly email alert. He summarized the mandate of MWC Though the channels are changing, the with the following terms: connector of overall goal of MWC communications member churches in ways which move remains unchanged. That goal was beyond the parent-child relationship; succinctly expressed by former MWC convener of regional and international President Million Belete of Ethiopia, when church to church conversations; he introduced the MWC newsletter in 1976: communicator of biblical vision in “It [the newsletter] is meant to inform and Anabaptist perspective within the acquaint. Only as we know more of each Mennonite family and the larger Christian other can we intelligently pray for and be of church. help to each other.” Twenty-two years later, when César In 1986, the newsletter was replaced by a García became General Secretary, he magazine called Courier. Then-General named the nurturing of global community Secretary, Paul Kraybill, wrote: “We don’t as one of his top priorities. “People want know enough about each other. We are a to have relationships around the world,” he worldwide community, but our knowledge wrote. “This is possible through good is local and limited. In spite of our presses, channels of information and communi- publishers and publications, there is no cation. Each member of our local congre- international messenger!” gations needs to have access to MWC.” In choosing Courier as the name of This ambitious goal for MWC MWC’s publication, Kraybill invoked communication, pursued now for almost pre-internet means of communication by forty years, remains only partially realized. persons entrusted with “bearing messages In revamping Courier/Correo/Courrier and to and from every part of the world.” At in revising our communication strategy, we the same time, Kraybill noted that within hope to better pursue this goal now and the MWC family too much information was into the future. flowing along the spokes of a wheel with the Global North at the centre. He envisioned a Ron Rempel, of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, is communication system that was more like Chief Communications Officer for MWC.

2002 2006 2010 2012 2013 MWC Publications J. Lorne Peachey Peachey appointed Byron Rempel- Ron Rempel Devin Manzullo- appointed Editor; beginning Burkholder appointed Chief Thomas appointed Managing Editor of trilingual name appointed Communications Editor of Courier/ plate Courier/ News Editor and Officer and News Correo/Courrier Correo/Courrier Editor of Courier/ Editor and related Correo/Courrier newsletter

2002 2007 2010 2012 2013 MWC Website Debut of first MWC New website in New website, New website Kristina Toews website, developed four languages developed by developed by appointed Web by Meg Sabulsky of (English, Spanish, Hansuli Gerber, Peaceworks and Communications Franconia Menonite French, German) uses English with Ron Rempel. All Worker Conference developed by Larry some translated content in English, Leuenberger material Spanish and French with mobile viewing capability.

3 MWC announces new communication strategy and staff

2013 will be a year of change and transition communication strategy are two new staff the MWC staff as a Web Communication for the MWC Communications team, as it members. Devin Manzullo-Thomas of Worker, beginning in February 2013. In this adds new personnel and carries out a new Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, began a role Toews manages web content, serves as strategy for sharing stories and resources half-time position as MWC Editor and Writer editor of the monthly e-alert and provides with the global faith family. in January 2013. In this role he helps to leadership for social media initiatives, A new communication strategy, approved generate stories among other responsibilities. by the MWC General Council at its May and edits MWC In their new roles Manzullo-Thomas 2012 meetings in Switzerland, will expand publications. and Toews join Ron Rempel, Chief the reach, frequency and content of MWC Additionally, Communications Officer, and Eleanor Miller publications. Kristina Toews of Strasbourg, France, Administrative Central to the strategy is a new website of Abbotsford, Assistant for news and publications, on the (www.mwc-cmm.org) which was launched British Columbia, MWC Communications team. in early November. Users can switch Devin Kristina Canada, joined between English, Spanish and French Manzullo- Toews —Ron Rempel and most content is available in all three Thomas languages. A second part of the strategy is an increased use of electronic communication. Beginning in 2013, MWC introduced MWC Info/Info CMM/Infos CMM, a monthly e-alert that provides links to recent news stories, prayer requests and other information on the MWC website. The third part of the strategy involves changes to print communications. Beginning in 2013, Courier/Correo/Courrier will be published every other month as a four-page newsletter. With the subtitle “News/Noticias/Nouvelles,” the newsletter will include recent news, prayer requests, organizational updates and other timely material. Twice a year, the newsletter is April 2013 inserted into a 16-page magazine. Volume 28, Number 1 The magazine will carry the same name and will include inspirational articles, study and teaching documents and longer 2 Communication features that are not time sensitive. Both the Then and Now newsletter and the magazine will be pub- 5 lished in English, Spanish and French and Being a Peace available electronically or in print form. Church Helping to carry out this expanded 11 Pennsylvania 2015 News 12 ‘Learning to Know Each Other SIgn up for MWC Better’ electronic publications 14 1. MWC Info, a monthly e-alert with news and ‘The Winds of Anabaptism are updates Blowing’ in Chile 2. The electronic version of Courier/Correo/ Courrier, a bimonthly publication Inserts Courier News MWC Peace To receive one or both of the above, send your Poster name, email, country and preferred language (En- glish, Spanish or French) to: [email protected]

Courier/Correo/Courrier (ISSN 1041-4436) is published six times a year. Twice a year, the newsletter is inserted into a 16-page magazine. Mennonite World Conference, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, Bogotá, Colombia. Publication Office: Courier, 1251 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg VA 22802-2434 USA. Periodical postage paid at Harrisonburg VA. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, 1251 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg VA 22802.

4 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2013 Being a Peace Church How are we doing?

by Robert J. Suderman

e estimate that there are 9,500 congregations throughout the world that are part of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) family. These congregations are Wfound in every continent and in every imaginable context. This means that there are, potentially, thousands of active communities of the peace of Christ functioning in many contexts in need of reconciliation. The vision of the MWC Peace Commission is to encourage, nourish and resource these agents of peace. With this vision in mind, we wanted to hear from the member-churches of MWC. We asked them to answer a simple question: “How is your church doing in its desire to be a Peace Church?”

What did we learn? It was encouraging and very moving to read the responses. They were vulnerable and provided profound and intimate windows into the lives of MWC member-churches. They put us in touch with the challenges faced and the efforts engaged by the churches in their desire to be effective ambassadors of peace in our broken world. Robert J. Suderman, secretary of the MWC Peace Commission, presents on the findings of the Here’s what we learned: Peace Audit during a meeting of the General Council in May 2012. Photo by Merle Good

1. All respondents expressed a deep desire 7. All respondents said that they need more From Taiwan: The militarized atmosphere to be a “Peace Church.” They understood resources and resourcing to strengthen their generated by thousands of Chinese missiles that as being communities of Jesus’ identity as . aimed at every part of Taiwan makes it disciples and actively nonviolent in their difficult to love our enemies as Christ contexts. What are the challenges? commanded. The most moving parts of the responses 2. All respondents talked about important were those that talked about their From Indonesia: We stumble in forming a and creative ways that they are working contextual challenges to being a Peace peace-church identity because the pastors at strengthening their identity as Peace Church. (To read the full report, visit www. of our churches graduate from seminaries Churches. mwc-cmm.org/article/peace-commission) that do not teach peace. It is clear that our vision for 9,500 effective 3. Most respondents pointed to important communal peace ambassadors at work From Spain: We share a “basket of love” “official” statements that identified them as in each context is a very high calling. Two with each other, but we need to do much churches with a Peace Church vision. things are very evident: the peace vocation more. is extremely important and necessary, and 4. All respondents indicated that there is a pursuing that vocation is exceptionally Any one of these challenges is formidable gap (some wider than others) that separates complex. enough. When all are put together, we can the official statements of the church from Space does not permit me to delve into see the enormity of our vocation. Peace is the life of the church and congregations. all the details. But let me give a taste of the badly needed in our world, but practicing it challenges that we face: is complex. Perhaps the clearest lesson we 5. All respondents identified important and can learn from the responses is that we will daunting challenges they face in their efforts From Canada: The numbing impact of not be “unpremeditated” Peace Churches. at being a Peace Church. individualistic materialism, affluence and We’ll need to work at it – intentionally, comfort shield us from the broken worlds of overtly, and strategically. 6. Respondents indicated that the poverty, revolution and violence. understanding of peace is shifting from A pressing question reaction (do no harm to others) to action (do From Honduras: The continuing influence I remember a visit we had with the leaders good for others). of machoism in gender and social of a semi-rural congregation in central India. relationships eclipses the peace of Christ. They told us that their children and grand-

5 children no longer know what it means to together at the peace-related questions and Who Responded to the be “Mennonite.” They were sad about this, challenges. Peace Audit? and asked: “What is MWC going to do Fifth, the MWC Peace Commission has about that?” designed an attractive “Peace Poster” that When the MWC Peace Commission asked, “How will helpfully remind us of the centrality of is your church doing in its desire to be a Peace The question from India is profound. It Church?”, 21 (out of 100) member-churches from identifies a preferred theological identity. peace in the gospel of Christ. (The poster four continents responded. It also says that this identity must be is included as an insert in this issue of the magazine.) We hope that this visual resource The participants were: accompanied by congregational and church behaviours that deliberately stimulate and can find a prominent place in the worship Asia and the Pacific strengthen this identity. spaces of MWC congregations. Additionally, 1. Brethren in Christ Church Orissa, India the Peace Commission is working to 2. Bihar Mennonite Mandli, India What is MWC doing about it? produce some guidelines for conflict 3. Gilgal Mission Trust, India 4. Fellowship of Mennonite Churches in Taiwan MWC is responding in several ways. First, assessment and management. 5. Persatuan Gereja-Gereja Kristen Muria we are continuing to promote our “Shared Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Indonesia Convictions,” prepared by MWC in 2006. MWC provides an opportunity and a real-life 6. Gereja Injili di Tanah Jawa (oral), Indonesia structure that enables member-churches They provide a common foundation for our South America, Latin America desire to be an Anabaptist Peace Church. from all over the world to say, “We belong and the Caribbean They are there to be studied, shared and together.” Someone will surely ask: What do 1. Hermandad en Cristo, Colombia used. you belong to? Why do you belong? Why is 2. Convención Iglesias Evangélicas Hermanos Second, MWC has approved a number it important to belong? These questions are Menonitas Nivacle, Paraguay 3. Iglesia Evangélica Menonita de El Salvador of resources for member-churches looking excellent opportunities to clarify our identity 4. Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Hondureña, to strengthen their Anabaptist-Mennonite and vocation as a Peace Church. Honduras identity. Books like Alfred Neufeld’s What 5. Konferenz der Mennonitengemeinden in We Believe Together, Paulus Widijaia’s Robert J. Suderman is Secretary of the Uruguay MWC Peace Commission. 6. The Mennonite Church of Trinidad and Tobago and Alan and Eleanor Kreider’s A Culture of Peace and C. Arnold Europe Snyder’s From Anabaptist Seed, are 1. British Conference of , all good resources on Anabaptist peaceENGLISH / INGLÉS / ANGLAIS is gospel United Kingdom identity from a variety of angles vrDUTCH / HOLANDÉSede / NÉERLANDAI Sis evangelie

2. Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer pazPORTUGUESE / PORTUGUÉS é / PORTUGAISevangelho (historical, theological, etc.). (For a Gemeinden in Deutschland, Germany kapayapaanFILIPINO / FILIPINO / FILIPINO ay ebanghelyo 3. Asociación de Menonitas y Hermanos en Cristo complete list of books, visit www. 和平的福音CHINESE / CHINO / CHINOIS en España, Spain mwc-cmm.org/article/books) The perINDONESIAN / INDONESIOdamaian / INDONÉSIEN adalah injil

мирRUSSIAN / RUSO / RUSSE - это евангелия North America final reports from the Mennonite-

friedeGERMAN / ALEMÁN / ALLEMAND ist evangelium 1. Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Canada Lutheran and Mennonite-Catholic amaniSWAHILI / SW ni injili A 2. Mennonite Church Canada international dialogues are very HILI / SWAHILI pazSPANISH / ESP es evangelio AÑOL / ESP 3. Conservative Mennonite Conference, USA helpful documents that could be AGNOL paceITALIAN / IT è vangelo A 4. Mennonite Church USA LIANO / ITALIEN

平和は福音JAP adapted to the teaching ministry ANESE / JAPONÉS / JAPONAIS 5. U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren です

ειρήνηGREEK / GRIEGO / GRECQUE είναι ευαγγέλιον Churches of the church. And the three

la FRENCH / FRANCÉSpaix, / FRANÇAIS c’est l'évangile 6. Brethren in Christ General Conference, papers recently discussed and

hòaVIETNAMESE / VIETNAMIT bình là phúc âm North America approved by the MWC General A / VIETNAMIEN

शांतिHINDI / HINDI / HINDसुसमाचार है Council are another instructive I Africa pokójPOLISH / POLACO / POLONAIS jest ewangeli and useful set of resources. Unfortunately, we received no responses мирUKRAINIAN / UCRANIO / UKRAINEN- це євангеліє 평화는 (To read the papers, visit www. KOREAN / COREANO / CORÉEN 복음 לום בשורה ש mwc-cmm.org/article/faith-and- HEBREW / HEBREO / HÉBREU life-commission) Third, the MWC Faith and Life Commission plans to offer “identity workshops” to churches requesting such resourcing. The Commission hopes that these seminars can be face-to-face, dynamic and stimulating, as questions

of Anabaptist identity are tz / Earth Photo: NASA

e explored together with key

resource teachers. Poster Design: Glenn Fr Fourth, MWC plans to place regional representatives in each continent. Such individuals can encourage member-churches in that region to work This poster, developed by the MWC Peace Commission and designed by Glenn Fretz, is intended to remind MWC member-churches of the centrality of peace in the gospel of Christ.

6 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2013

April 2013 Volume 28, Number 1

of Paraguayan origin, drew Chile hosts global attention to this missionary family at 15th vocation, arguing that it gathering of Southern has allowed Latin American Cone Anabaptists Anabaptist churches to quadruplicate their membership Angostura de Paine, Chile – in the last 30 years. After a two-year delay caused The gathering included a by the massive earthquake number of presentations and of 2010, the Mennonites of workshops. Plentary speaker the Southern Cone gathered Robert J. Suderman discussed for their traditional biannual “biblical foundations for meeting from 23-27 January shalom.” MWC officers Danisa 2013, in Angostura de Paine, Ndlovu (Zimbabwe) and Janet Chile, about 55 kilometres south Plenert (Canada) described of Santiago. It was the first time the service of repentance, Front row (from left): Luis Augusto Castro Quiroga, Turid Karlsen Sein, Chilean Mennonites hosted the forgiveness and reconciliation Cardinal Koch, Alfred Neufeld. Second row: Musawenkosi Biyela, Rebecca Osiro, Kaisamari Hintikka, Gregory J Fairbanks. Third row: event. between Lutherans and William Henn, Larry Miller, Theodor Dieter. Fourth row: César Garcia, About one hundred Mennonites that took place in Marie-Hélène Robert, Kwong-Sang Peter Li. Fifth row: Luis M Melo, Anabaptists from six Latin Stuttgart, Germany in 2010. peaceENGLISH / INGLÉS / ANGLAIS is gospel Fernando Enns, John Rempel. American countries – Bolivia, Mónica Parada and Carlos vrDUTCH / HOLANDÉSede / NÉERLANDAI Sis evangelie Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Gallardo, pastors of Iglesia pazPORTUGUESE / PORTUGUÉS é / PORTUGAISevangelho Brazil and Chile – attended the Menonita Puerta del Rebaño kapayapaanFILIPINO / FILIPINO / FILIPINO ay ebanghelyo Baptism the focus of point of significant difference 和平的福音CHINESE / CHINO / CHINOIS between the three groups – perINDONESIAN / INDONESIOdamaian / INDONÉSIEN adalah injil trilateral dialogue by surfaced in each of these мирRUSSIAN / RUSO / RUSSE - это евангелия Mennonites, Catholics exchanges. Mennonites practice friedeGERMAN / ALEMÁN / ALLEMAND ist evangelium adult baptism, and Catholics SW and Lutherans amaniAHILI / SW ni injili A HILI / SWAHILI

pazSPANISH / ESP es evangelio and Lutherans infant baptism. AÑOL / ESP AGNOL

paceITALIAN / IT è vangelo A LIANO / ITALIEN Rome, Italy/Bogota, Colombia The trilateral meeting in

平和は福音JAP ANESE / JAPONÉS / JAPONAIS です An international trilateral Rome, with five representatives ειρήνηGREEK / GRIEGO / GRECQUE είναι ευαγγέλιον dialogue between Mennonites, from each communion, included la FRENCH / FRANCÉSpaix, / FRANÇAIS c’est l'évangile Catholics and Lutherans was summary presentations on hòaVIETNAMESE / VIETNAMIT bình là phúc âm A / VIETNAMIEN held in Rome, 9-13 December past dialogues on baptism. शांतिHINDI / HINDI / HINDसुसमाचार है I pokójPOLISH / POLACO / POLONAIS jest ewangeli 2012. Fernando Enns of Germany

мирUKRAINIAN / UCRANIO / UKRAINEN- це євангеліє According to a joint release presented for MWC. The 평화는 KOREAN / COREANO / CORÉEN 복음 issued after the meeting, the meeting also included principal לום בשורה overall theme of the five-year papers on the introduction to ש HEBREW / HEBREO / HÉBREU process is “Baptism and the understanding and practice Incorporation into the Body of of baptism. Alfred Neufeld of Folkloric dance ensemble Los del Huerto lead worship during the Christ, the Church.” The release Paraguay and John Rempel of Southern Cone meetings in Chile. Photo by Puertachile further stated: “This innovative Canada presented for MWC. trilateral forum will allow the Other MWC participants gathering. They were joined by in Concepción, Chile, reflected dialogue to take up questions included Rebecca Osiro of visitors from Central and North on making the commitment to surrounding the theology and Kenya and Larry Miller of America and by MWC officers. a Mennonite peace witness in practice of baptism in the France. MWC General Secretary The Iglesia Evangélica their own faith communities and respective communions.” César García of Colombia was Menonita de Chile (IEMCH), families. According to Gallardo,

tz / Earth Photo: NASA e The three international an observer. which became the one “The true following of Christ is communions came to the The group will convene for its hundredth MWC member- found on equity, in building up Poster Design: Glenn Fr inaugural meeting with a history second round of conversations church in 2011, organized a community in which we can of bilateral dialogues with each in January 2014 to study the event. With a dozen look at each other face to face other. MWC held wide-ranging “Baptism: God’s Grace in Christ congregations throughout the as equals.” César García, MWC conversations with the Catholic and Human Sin.” Future topics country, the IEMCH reflects General Secretary, and Rodrigo Pontifical Council for Promoting in following years will include the missionary vocation of the Pedroza, Latin American Christian Unity from 1998 to “Baptism: Communicating Latin American Anabaptist representative of the Young 2003, and with the Lutheran Grace and Faith” and “Living churches. In a presentation Anabaptists (YABs) network, World Federation from 2005 to Out Baptism.” during the gathering, Titus presented the work of their 2008. The topic of baptism – a Guenther, Canadian professor organizations.

i The Southern Cone gathering contexts,” García commented. also provided an opportunity “Regional representatives to share through praise and will help to connect our local art. With typical costumes and and national churches to one instruments of the farmers of another and to the global central Chile, the group Los communion in order to facilitate del Huerto sang and danced to such learning. These leaders will lively traditional music such as serve as bridges, facilitating the cuecas and guarachas. IEMCH flow of information and allowing youth offered a presentation us to work interdependently, on the different regions of while avoiding duplication of continental Chile and Easter efforts in our missional task.” Island, using images and traditional dances. On two evenings during the gathering, Mennonite World representatives from Argentina Conference compiles and Brazil played praise songs directory of global with Latin American rhythms Anabaptist community and lyrics that exalted the commitment to peace and Mennonite World Conference justice. recently compiled a World – Felipe Elgueta, with collaboration of Directory listing churches Violeta Fonceca rooted in the 16th century Radical in Europe, particularly in the Anabaptist Latin American movement. This faith family Women Theologians includes more than 1.7 gather in Chile million baptized believers in In a workshop on examining violence against women, participants were 243 national conferences of La Angostura, Chile – The fifth invited to plant the seeds of dreams they wanted to see come true. churches in 83 countries. gathering of Latin American Photo by Puertachile In this directory, 100 of Anabaptist Women Theologians the national conferences took place in conjunction with Taumaturgo, pastor of a The first regional of churches in 57 countries the fifteenth annual Southern Mennonite church in Recife, representative was placed in are identified as members Cone Anabaptist Mennonite Brazil, described her ministry North America in 2009. Bert or associate members of Congress, held here 23-27 among women whose husbands Lobe of St. Jacobs, Ontario, Mennonite World Conference. January 2013. The gathering are serving prison sentences. Canada, served in that capacity, These Mennonite and Brethren was attended by sisters and Aurora Rinaldi, of the Menno- nurturing relationships with in Christ churches include 1.28 brothers from the six countries nite congregation in Trenque MWC member-churches across million baptized believers, which of the region, plus visitors from Lauquen, Argentina, recounted North America. He completed represent 72.5% of the total in Canada, the United States, her year-long journey of being his term of service at the end of the global faith family. Zimbabwe, Colombia, Costa invited to serve her community 2012. The directory can be Rica and Mexico. as a pastor. Lobe’s successor, Lynn Roth accessed online at www.mwc- Some 45 women theologians – Ester Bornes; translated into English of Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA, cmm.org/article/world-directory participated in the three-day by Milka Rindzinski began his work in January gathering, which included 2013. “I have always felt a a series of workshops and strong call to the ministry of worship services. Two of the MWC regional the worldwide church,” Roth presentations were led by representatives bridge told MWC news service at the Monica Parada, pastor of the local, national and time of his appointment. “It is Puerta del Rebaño Mennonite exciting to have the opportunity congregation in Concepción, global church bodies to work with the North American Chile. church as it engages with Over the last several years, Monica’s workshops focused the worldwide community of MWC member-churches have on challenges faced by women believers.” 2012 called for the appointment World Directory leaders, including domestic MWC leaders are working to Directorio mundial of continental regional Répertoire mondial issues, ethnic tensions, violence appoint regional representatives Mennonite Congreso Conférence World Conference Mundial Menonita Mennonite Mondiale representatives – staff members A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté (both physical and emotional) in Europe and Asia in 2013. “We related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas d’Eglises Anabaptistes who can aid member-churches Mennonite Congreso Conférence and other forms of subjugation have received suggestions for World Conference Mundial Menonita Mennonite Mondiale A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté in connecting with the larger related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas d’Eglises Anabaptistes and repression. candidates and are participating body of Anabaptist believers. A third workshop, led in ongoing conversations Mennonite Mennonite MWC continues to pursue World Conference World Conference A Community of Anabaptist A Community of Anabaptist by Gladys Siemens of the among our churches in these related Churches related Churches this goal, while facing some Congreso Congreso Mundial Menonita Mundial Menonita MWC Deacons Commission, continents,” reported García. Una Comunidad de Una Comunidad de challenges. Iglesias Anabautistas Iglesias Anabautistas Conférence Conférence celebrated the tenth anniversary Financial obstacles continue Mennonite Mondiale Mennonite Mondiale “It is our dream to arrive at Une Communauté Une Communauté of the movement of Latin to slow the process, although d’Eglises Anabaptistes d’Eglises Anabaptistes the 2015 Global Assembly in

American Anabaptist Women García sees hope. “I trust that MWC World Directory 2012.indd 1 12/4/12 2:38 PM Pennsylvania with regional Theologians. the desire of our constituency Communion is served during the representatives working in their The gathering included times for regional representation will Mennonite World Conference respective continents,” said for women leaders across be translated into the global General Council meeting last César García, MWC General Latin America to share their financial support required for May in Switzerland. Photo by Secretary. Financial limitations Merle Good/MWC experiences. Valeria Alvarenga this task,” he added. have slowed the process, he “All of us need to know what added. it means to follow Christ in other ii Courier News April 2013 Nepal believers ago during the monarchy, of congregations from around “To me,” Baxter preached, when preaching the gospel the globe sent reports on their “this story captures what we dedicate concrete and conversion was illegal. fellowship to MWC. remember on World Fellowship church building Today, despite persecution and Sunday. [It is] a celebration of restriction from the government, Bogotá, Colombia worldwide community and the Babiya, Nepal – In November over one hundred believers, About 600 believers from three gifts we receive as we take each 2012, believers from the including children, participate different MWC member- others’ pain into our hearts Behelwa Brethren in Christ in the church worship service. churches – Iglesia Cristiana and learn to better understand (BIC) Church celebrated the After meeting outdoors or in Menonita, Iglesia Hermanos ourselves and God’s vision of completion of their new church various temporary shelters for Menonitas, and Iglesia justice through our interactions building – a structure built with years, the congregation decided Hermandad en Cristo – came across differences and assistance from the Mennonite to purchase the land and together for a joint service on distances. World Conference (MWC) construct a concrete church Sunday, 27 January. MWC “I’m grateful for World Global Sharing Fund. building. General Secretary César García Fellowship Sunday,” Baxter The congregation held They collected some of the preached, while pastors, leaders concluded, “because I think our a dedication service on 30 money and also received some and members from different hope is renewed by reminders November. Hundreds, including funds from the BIC Church congregations in Bogotá that we work for justice as a leaders from neighbouring Nepal Conference. Funds alternated in leading the service, global community… We need churches, MWC and the BIC from the MWC Global Church singing with the congregation to hear stories of courage, of Executive Board, attended the Sharing Fund, received through and praying. According to creativity, of change – no matter event. Cynthia Peacock of India, the BIC Nepal Conference, Magali Moreno, a MWC staff how small or slow – to remind chair of the MWC Deacons made the construction of the person headquartered in the us that God is indeed working Commission, was the chief church a reality. Bogotá office, the event was through the church and other guest. After a Scripture reading a “true local fellowship,” as communities around the world and a dedication prayer, she From a report by Shemlal Hembrom, chair of the Nepal Brethren in Christ believers from different national to bring justice and teach us the unveiled the stone plate fixed Church and a member of the MWC conferences came together in way of humility in the process.” on a wall outside of the church Deacons Commission the spirit of unity and mutual and then opened the door love. Yogyakarta, Indonesia That same spirit of sharing and learning pervaded the World Fellowship Sunday service held at the Muria Christian Church of Indonesia (GKMI) congregation in Yogyakarta. Several international guests shared their individual faith journeys, reflecting the various cultures in which they were raised and came to know Christ. One speaker, Shammah Nakawesi from Uganda (who is living in Indonesia as a participant in the Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network [YAMEN!]), described growing up in between a Christian and a Muslim family. She decided The new concrete church building in Babiya, Nepal, constructed withassistance from MWC Global Church to follow the way of Christ as a Sharing Fund. teenager. In her homeland, she reported, Sunday mornings are for everyone to enter into the Minneapolis, Minnesota quite loud as energetic singing building. Celebrating the Faith Mennonite Church and dancing are a major part of Ramesh Soren, the pastor, church’s ‘just witness’ celebrated World Fellowship church meetings. led the worship service, which on World Fellowship Sunday with a guest sermon The service also included included a time of worship Sunday from Aryn Baxter, a graduate a sermon from Janti Widjaja, through song and a message student doing research on the pastor of the congregation from Cynthia. Her message Each year, Anabaptist-related higher education development and a member of the MWC emphasized building up the churches around the world initiatives. Baxter used the Faith and Life Commission. kingdom of God by believers celebrate World Fellowship children’s book 14 Cows for Widjaja preached on John 8:3- sharing and caring for each Sunday by worshipping around America as a way to describe 11, wherein Jesus encounters other’s spiritual, emotional a common theme. Typically the fellowship experienced the Pharisees and the woman and physical needs and also observed on or near 21 January when different culture groups caught in adultery. She becoming a relationship building – the date, in 1525, when the make intentional efforts to learn described how the tale teaches community inside and outside first Anabaptist baptism took from one another. In the book, a us about the importance of of the church. place in Zurich, Switzerland – Masai student in the U.S. brings forgiveness and peace, two The Babiya BIC Church is one World Fellowship Sunday news of the 11 September 2001 cornerstones of the Mennonite of the village churches among provides an opportunity to tragedy in New York City to his faith. the Santal community close to remember common roots village in Kenya and inspires a the city of Biratnagar in eastern and celebrate our worldwide gift to America of 14 cows. In Upala, Costa Rica Nepal. The congregation koinonia. this village, a cow is precious In this city near the Costa started in a house two decades In 2013, the common theme property and is believed to bring Rica/Nicaragua border, was “Justice and Witness of comfort to its owner. members of the Asociación de the Church Today.” A number

iii Iglesias Cristianas Menonitas de Costa Rica (Association Prayers of gratitude and intercession of Mennonite Churches in Costa Rica) observed World 1 Praise God for the 9,500 on the part of government Fellowship Sunday on 3 congregations around officials and for strength, February. According to Sandra the world that identify patience and solidarity Campos, one of the Latin themselves as “Mennonite” by the advocates for the American representatives on or “Brethren in Christ” Wounaan, “so as to be a the MWC Executive Committee, or “Anabaptist” and that good witness at all times.” more than 450 people from are seeking to be agents The website was established congregations all around Costa of God’s peace in their by members of Iglesia Rica “gathered to celebrate contexts. Evangélica Unida Hermanos God’s faithfulness, enjoy Menonitas, a member- fellowship, and give thanks to 2 Pray for Lynn Roth of church of Mennonite World God together with the global Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA, Conference. Mennonite family of faith.” who began as Mennonite To read more reflections on World Conference North 5 Praise God for answered World Fellowship Sunday 2013, American Representative prayers, that Amán and visit the MWC website at www. in January 2013. Part of his Rosa Guillen, partners in mwc-cmm.org/article/world- responsibility is to organize mission in Tierra Nueva, fellowship-sunday a prayer network for the next Mexico, were reunited MWC Assembly to be held after he was kidnapped in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by armed men while they USA, 21-26 July 2015. Pray were hiking. Unfortunately, Commissions Update also for Liesa Unger, MWC incidents like this are The four MWC commissions Sharing Fund in support of Chief International Events frequent in Mexico. Pray for support and extend the work numerous projects around Coordinator, and Howard the Mennonite churches in of our global communion the world: the construction Good, National Coordinator, the North regions (in this between and beyond the of a Brethren in Christ- as they work on plans for the case, Chihuahua) and for assemblies. supported community 2015 Assembly. the development of new The commissions have development centre at missions with a culture of been described as the four Siriguda, Rayagada District, 3 Praise God for the peace. chambers of one heart, India; the expansion of opportunities that MWC which seeks to link the a Japanese Mennonite has to dialogue with 6 Pray for the Communauté worldwide community of Fellowship-sponsored other worldwide Christian Mennonite au Congo Anabaptist-related churches recovery effort that provides communions, to share (Mennonite Church of for fellowship, worship, housing for families displaced Anabaptist understandings, Congo) as they come to service and witness. by the 2011 nuclear disaster to learn from other traditions the aid of inmates at the What do the commissions at Fukushima; and the and to discern together Tshikapa prison in the do? Commissions prepare translation of C. Arnold what Jesus’ prayer for Democratic Republic of issues or materials for Snyder’s book From unity in John 17 means for Congo. According to Pastor consideration by the General Anabaptist Seed into Korean, Christians in our time. Joly Birakara, “This prison Council; give guidance and among others. has become a place to die, propose resources to MWC 4 Through a website rather than a place for the called Injustice in Panama incarceration or education of member-churches; and Faith and Life Commission facilitate MWC-related net- In January 2013, John D. (www.injusticeinpanama. prisoners, as almost every works or fellowships working Roth (Secretary) represented wordpress.com), month there is at least one together on matters of MWC and the Faith and Life Mennonites in Panama death due to malnutrition. common interest and focus. Commission at a conference are asking for prayer to Prisoners are very poorly fed Here are a few short on church-state issues help bring resolution to and sleep on the ground.” In glimpses into the work of sponsored by the U.S. a longstanding dispute light of these conditions, the MWC commissions over the Conference of Mennonite focused on land claims of Mennonite Church of Congo last several months. Brethren Churches in the indigenous Wounaan has decided to help the Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Roth community. The website prisoners of Tshikapa with notes progress made in food and other necessities Peace Commission gave a presentation on behalf The Peace Commission is of MWC, drawing on the January 2013 meetings on the last Sunday of every working on a list of conflict recent Peace Audit and the involving the Wounaan month. Pray that they will be intervention guidelines for MWC “Shared Convictions.” leadership and political emissaries of God’s peace in use by MWC member- leaders. It requests prayer this place of fear and death. for wisdom and objectivity churches. An initial draft Mission Commission of the guidelines were The Mission Commission approved during the is working to draft some May 2012 meetings in “principles of mission” from Switzerland, and a second an Anabaptist perspective. draft is currently being After writing and revision, the prepared. document will be approved by the Executive Committee and then placed on the MWC Courier News is available on request. Deacons Commission Send all correspondence to: The Deacons Commission website for use by member- Volume 28, Number 1 MWC, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, has distributed monies from churches. Bogotá, Colombia. the MWC Global Church César Garcia Publisher Ron Rempel Chief Communications Officer Email: [email protected] Devin Manzullo-Thomas Editor www.mwc-cmm.org iv Courier News April 2013

News Noticias Courier Correo Courrier NouvellesPennsylvania 2015 News 1

Mennonite Congreso Conférence World Conference Mundial Menonita Mennonite Mondiale A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas d’Eglises Anabaptistes

Reflections

MWC General Council met in Basel, Switzerland in May 2012 and confirmedReflexiónes plans for MWC’s 16th Assembly in Pennsylvania. CourierFaith family Correo to Courrier Réflexions meet in Pennsylvania Mennonite Congreso Conférence World Conference Mundial Menonita Mennonite Mondiale A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté 21-26 July 2015 related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas d’Eglises Anabaptistes The global Anabaptist family Lynn Roth of of faith will come together in Harrisonburg, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, Virginia, USA, in July 2015 for the Mennonite MWC’s North World Conference (MWC) America Repre- Assembly – to share in fellowship, sentative, over- worship, service and witness. The sees the Fund- last Assembly was celebrated in raising and Visa Asunción, Paraguay in 2009. The Task Force. Liesa Unger and Howard Good at Farm Show complex, where the next Lynn Roth Assembly will be held. Photo by Len Rempel 2015 Assembly will be an artwork He is also of many pieces, compared to a organizing a prayer network quilt. The event will include the that will pray for the Assembly Bookmark could have Basumata, India and Tigist Global Youth Summit, service in the next 30 months. Howard your photo Tesfaye, Ethiopia, members of the Young Anabaptist (YABs) projects, discussion groups, Good of Lititz, Pennsylania, USA, In the 30 months children’s program, Global MWC’s National Coordinator, has Committee. One of the next leading up to bookmarks could have your Church Village, workshops, started his work on Assembly Pennsylvania worship services and a lot of logistics. One of his first tasks picture on it. Send a picture of 2015, MWC you among a group of people in MWCmusic and singing. CMM CMMwas to confirm the Assembly will produce a site – the Farm Show Complex your congregation and you might different bookmark be selected for one of the next MWC staff team is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA. every month Leading the team is Liesa Unger bookmarks. Send photos to: at work Infoas a reminder pennsylvania2015@mwc-cmm. of Regensburg, Germany, MWC’s to pray for the The team has started to work on Mennonite Congreso orgConférence. Full size bookmarks can be Chief International Events Officer, Assembly and to program, logistics, fundraising World Conference Mundial MenonitaprintedMennonite and trimmed Mondiale from a PDF focusing on assembly program. A Community of Anabaptistplan toUna attend. Comunidad de Une Communauté and visa together with the related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas filed’Eglises available Anabaptistes on the MWC website The bookmark National Advisory Council which at www.mwc-cmm.org/article/ Planners invite will feature represents host churches. global-assembly theme ideas people who are planning to come Assembly planners invite the Contact: to the Assembly global community to suggest Mennonite World Conference in Harrisburg. PO Box 5364 theme ideas for Pennsylvania The January Lancaster, PA 17606-5364 2015. The Assembly theme as 2013 bookmark [email protected] well as the Program Oversight features Sumana Committee, consisting of one representative of each continent, will be selected during the meeting of the MWC Executive Committee in May 2013.

7 ‘The Winds of Anabaptism are Blowing’ Chilean Mennonites celebrate growth and global connections

Attendees at the recent Southern Cone meetings, hosted by the Mennonite churches of Chile, extend their hands in he winds of Anabaptism when he heard the story of Dirk Willems, a prayer. Photo by Puertachile are blowing!” These 16th-century Dutch Anabaptist martyr. He enthusiastic words from was also impressed by the holistic service Chilean Mennonite church of Mennonite Central Committee workers member, Felipe Elgueta, in neighbouring Bolivia, who showed no by Titus Guenther and are an apt description of the dynamic life of partiality with regard to religion, ethnicity, Karen Loewen Guenther ‘‘Temerging Mennonite churches in different social class or gender. Carlos Gallardo regions of Chile. While most Mennonite and Mónica Parada, upon learning about churches in Latin America originated Anabaptist ecclesiology in a course on either by migration or mission, the Chilean the taught by Titus Mennonite churches arose as a result of Guenther, suddenly felt a kinship between members’ own ingenuity, much like the their own understanding of the life of Pentecostal churches did throughout the the church and the historic vision of the 20th century. As Jaime Prieto concluded in Anabaptists. Mission and Migration (Global Mennonite The Chilean Mennonite congregations, History Series – Latin America, 2010), some almost 25 years old, emerged from “Chile is an example of a country where quite different backgrounds. Most grew Anabaptist initiatives have developed and out of a Pentecostal background. One grown internally as Chileans have embraced congregation, Iglesia Menonita Puerta Anabaptist faith and practice.” del Rebaño (The Door of the Sheepfold How did Anabaptism catch on in Chile? Mennonite Church), arose in the context Some credit is due to Chilean-Canadian of a university community in Concepción, Jorge Vallejos, a church planter and pastor developing its Mennonite identity as a who, in the 1980s, suggested to his Chilean result of influence from visiting Mennonite church friends that they adopt the name teachers like John Driver, César Moya and “Mennonite.” Early on, Daniel Delgado, Delbert Erb. As mentioned above, this now president of the Iglesia Evangélica group is led by Carlos Gallardo and Mónica Menonita de Chile (IEMCH), was moved Parada, two former seminary students. Importantly, these churches arose some distance from each other, within different social contexts. These differences made for difficulties in relating to each other. However, recent developments – including

8 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2013 ‘The Winds of Anabaptism are Blowing’ Chilean Mennonites celebrate growth and global connections

joint involvement in the staging of the 2013 be lacking without a reference to the presiding over the program. Southern Cone conference, a gathering Anabaptist renewal occurring within the Given their multifaceted, holistic ministry, of Anabaptists from six South American sizeable Union of Evangelical Baptist the Mennonites of Chile face a number of nations – has helped to reduce the Churches of Chile (UBACH). Omar Cortés challenges. First, there is a need to prepare “distance” between the groups. – a worker in both the Mennonite Church new and younger people for leadership All these churches minister in situations Canada Witness and Mennonite Mission roles. Most current church leaders are older; of chronic poverty. Their community Network U.S. programs, as well as a Baptist a new generation will soon need to arise to outreach focuses on family, women’s and seminary professor – has played a central take up their mantle. However, at present, youth issues. Women carry the bulk of role in this movement. Through his teaching most young peoples’ preparation for future the responsibility for these ministries – as on the Radical Reformation, Omar has service is limited to helping in the ministry much as 70% of the workload, according helped the Baptist Church to rediscover its with children and youth. to one male leader. They prepare food, Peace Church roots. In 2008, UBACH and There is also a lack of biblical and visit the sick, support families in need and Mennonite Church Canada entered into a theological knowledge and training among walk alongside people with addictions. A sister church relationship. Whether this will the leaders. What’s worse, there is little vivid illustration of this point comes from continue under UBACH’s new leadership, evidence that the emerging generation has Gladys Delgado (Daniel’s wife). One day, an remains to be seen. access to further formation in this regard. abandoned youth – the child of alcoholic Our personal experience visiting a new La Puerta (Concepción), with one student parents – showed up at the Delgados’ church community, started by two Baptist enrolled in a seminary theology program, is church. Gladys invited him into their home. seminary professors, suggests that there the exception. Four years later, he still lives with them, is much vitality in this renewal movement. A third challenge relates to the retention and is now actively involved in the life and of members and individual congregations. ministry of the church. Currently, almost as many members These Mennonite churches also “ When we go out on leave as are gained. A fourth issue is demonstrated their care for the suffering gender equality, which continues to be a in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in the street, our witness challenge for many of these congregations, Chile. Though of limited means themselves, is accompanied by a especially in the area of pastoral leadership. these believers nevertheless loaded up Participation in the wider church helps to three vans of supplies and delivered them sandwich and a cup overcome their isolation and open them to the people hardest hit by this natural up to the larger Mennonite family. This will disaster – not just the Mennonites, but of coffee.” hopefully result in greater openness to other those from other evangelical churches as faith families. well. These Christians are vitally interested in Nevertheless, the winds of Anabaptism The identity of these Chilean Mennonites Anabaptist ecclesiology and practice, and continue to blow through the Mennonite is captured well in this brief anecdote from are very inclusive, emphasizing the themes churches of Chile. These Chilean believers Daniel Delgado. When asked by a police of peace, justice and compassion in their are strengthened through the support of officer, “What does the Mennonite church songs and liturgy. Mennonites from around the globe, and do anyway?”, Daniel replied, “We are doing Two further church initiatives in the south in turn the Chileans are opening other the work you are hired to do, but we do it of Chile should be mentioned. One was Mennonites’ eyes to what it means to for free.” started in Valdivia by three women – Wanda be Anabaptist. These encounters are a In addition to their social service work, Sieber, Marlene Dorigoni and Waleska Villa wonderful opportunity for the sharing the Mennonites of Chile show a keen – from the Argentine (Patagonia) Mennonite of diverse gifts that complement each awareness of the need to share the gospel Church. The other, also in the Valdivia other. The older churches, grounded in a with their neighbours. Samuel Tripainao, region, is led by Eastern Mennonite Mission more biblical-theological formation, can pastor of the Peñaflor church and secretary workers Mike and Nancy Hostetter. share their wisdom and experience, while of IEMCH, captures well the sentiment Until recently, the Mennonites of Chile the younger Chilean churches offer their shared by most Mennonites in this country: often felt isolated from the larger Anabaptist brothers and sisters the benefit of fresh “When we go out on the street, our witness movement, but such sentiments are starting insights derived from reading the Bible with is accompanied by a sandwich and a cup to change through the visits of Mennonite new eyes. of coffee.” And their service is not limited Mission administrators and teachers from to their immediate communities only. From North America and neighbouring countries. Titus Guenther, Associate Professor of time to time, pastors travel to more distant Members’ participation in the biannual Theology and Missions at Canadian Mennonite places, including neighbouring Argentina, Southern Cone conferences and the 2009 University (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), and to fellowship with and strengthen sister Mennonite World Conference assembly has Karen Loewen Guenther, a retired ESL teacher congregations and to lend a hand in local also significantly combated these feelings of and freelance writer, are currently in Chile on isolation. As a result of these connections, special assignment with Mennonite Church evangelism. When Samuel heard about the Canada Witness. conflict over land ownership in the region IEMCH recently became the one hundredth where many Mapuche (aboriginal) people member-church in the MWC family. live, he declared that “this would be a good Another milestone in the life of the place to start a church,” as an effort to bring Chilean Mennonite churches occurred peace and healing to this community. this year, when they hosted the Southern A report on Mennonites in Chile would Cone conference for the first time. This event brought together men, women and youth in the daily tasks of cooking, serving and cleaning, as well as in organizing and

9 ‘Learning to Know Each Other Better’ Researchers embark on a global study of MWC member-churches

n 2012, MWC partnered with the What was the impetus for this research practices of the international Anabaptist Institute for the Study of Global initiative on global Anabaptism? community, and specifically those national Anabaptism (ISGA) at Goshen College churches connected to EMM. The results (Goshen, Indiana, USA) to launch John D. Roth (JR): The global Anabaptist of that study were recently published in a multi-year, multi-part research church has been undergoing a dramatic the book Winds of the Spirit (Herald Press, initiative. The goal? To develop a more transformation in the past 30 years or 2012). Inuanced picture of the MWC constituency so, growing from approximately 600,000 specifically, and the global Anabaptist members in 1980 to nearly 1.7 million today. Alfred Neufeld (AN): Winds of the Spirit is church generally. Although MWC has worked hard to facilitate excellent proof of how a profile study can The project has two components. The exchanges among its member groups, we stimulate theological work and contribute first, the Global Anabaptist Profile (GAP), are still very much in a process of learning to renewal of identity. We expect that the is a survey structured around MWC’s to know each other better. The project is GAP will similarly help our Commission in “Shared Convictions” that aims to collect one step in helping to clarify a better sense its efforts. demographic data as well as information of the basic demographical information, on beliefs and practices. The second while also gathering much more detailed CK: The GAP will be broader in scope than component, the Bearing Witness Stories information about the beliefs and practices, the MNA, and we hope it will yield even (BWS) Project, will seek to gather personal hopes and dreams of MWC member greater insights. stories of discipleship and suffering, in the churches. spirit of the Martyrs Mirror. How do you plan to gather stories for the Recently, Courier/Correo/Courrier Have there been other such efforts to “Bearing Witness” project? connected with project personnel to discuss study the beliefs and practices of the the initiative, its impetus and its progress international Anabaptist-Mennonite JR: One aspect of the project will focus thus far. community? on pulling together stories in a more intentional fashion from the 18th, 19th and Conrad Kanagy (CK): Not many. 20th centuries (i.e., from the completion of Several years ago, Richard Showalter the Martyrs Mirror in 1685 to the present). – then-president of Eastern Mennonite But we also want to gather stories from Missions and chair of the MWC Missions the contemporary church, and especially Commission – and I inaugurated the Multi- from Anabaptist-Mennonite churches in the Nation Anabaptist (MNA) Profile. Ours was Global South. an effort to learn more about the beliefs and In August 2012, some 40 people from

10 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2013 nine countries (and representing at least six JR: Yes, some might have the perception lives and day-to-day struggles than our different Anabaptist groups) met at Goshen that this is a purely North American Mennonite church members in Holland College to develop a framework for the academic project that is “extracting” or Switzerland, in the USA or Canada. BWS. The consultation made it clear that information from the global church. That is But we need each other and we need to gathering stories is never a simple process. a false impression, though I do understand understand each other. We hope that a combination of active the concern. Clearly, the ISGA – which is personal solicitation, the Internet, public located in the USA – is a catalyst for the CK: In the Book of Revelation, Jesus Christ appeals and the use of existing networks project, and all of the funding comes from has a message or word for the seven (like MWC) will slowly generate interest. North America. But we see this as a project churches of Asia. I like to imagine that the owned jointly by all the member-churches work of MWC in this project will be one What progress has been made thus far in the MWC family. The survey itself is more way of hearing – partially, of course – on the project? based on the MWC Shared Convictions that Christ’s word to us in these early years of resulted from a long process of discernment the 21st century. JR: Following nearly a year of conversations that included input from groups around the with MWC leadership, mission agency world. Each participating group will have a executives, representatives from Mennonite chance to add to the GAP questions that Participants Central Committee and a host of interested are specific to its setting. And the results individuals, the ISGA received preliminary of each participating group’s survey will be approval for the project by the MWC made available in an accessible form to the Executive Committee at its May 2011 leadership of each church. meeting, with final approval confirmed at Gathering information is not an end in the meeting of the General Council in May itself; the information is clearly intended 2012. to help the church – both locally and in In August 2012, a sub-group of the its global/MWC expression – to be more MWC Faith and Life Commission met to faithful followers of Jesus. review the logistics of the GAP. Also in John Roth Alfred Neufeld Conrad Kanagy (JR) (AN) (CK) August, Conrad organized a consultation How do you think the data gathered in Director of the Chair of the Associate with several other Mennonite sociologists, this project will help MWC in its work of Institute for the MWC Faith Director of the each with extensive experience in cross- linking the global Anabaptist community? Study of Global and Life Global cultural surveys, for counsel regarding Anabaptism Commission Anabaptist (ISGA) at Goshen Profile project methodological questions. In late October AN: In the 16th century there was a “multi- College and we finalized our sample, and in November genesis” of Anabaptist beginnings: the Secretary of the the MWC office in Bogotá sent out official Dutch-North German group, led by Menno MWC Faith and letters to a representative sample of Simons, was quite different in culture, Life Commission 25 member-churches, inviting them to history, spirituality and political setting participate. Right now we are responding to the Swiss-South German group that to questions and confirming which groups began 1525 in Zurich. And both groups wish to take part in the project. We hope to had considerable differences from the complete the survey in 2013-2014. movement led by and Thomas Give a gift to MWC Müntzer, and from the later “Heavenly Your prayers and financial gifts are deeply appreci- It’s common these days to find North Kingdom” at the city of Münster. ated. Your contributions are important. They will: American researchers going to the Today, young Anabaptist churches – Global South to conduct these kinds of those within an Islamic context in Indonesia – Enable expanded communication strategies studies. I’m sure that you’re sensitive to or Nigeria, within a Spanish Conquista- to nurture a worldwide family of faith – Strengthen our communion’s identity and this perception with the current project. rooted Catholic context in Latin America, or witness as Anabaptist Christians in our What steps have you taken to address within the “underground church” movement diverse contexts; this perception? in China – have quite different spiritual – Build up community through networks and gatherings so that we can learn from and support each other.

Go to www.mwc-cmm.org and click the “Get Involved” tab for prayer requests and on the “Do- nate” tab for multiple ways to give online. Or mail your gift to Mennonite World Conference at one of these addresses:

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John D. Roth, Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College (Goshen, Indiana), leads a discussion at the Bearing Witness Stories Project consultation, held 5-8 August 2012 in Goshen. Photo by Kaeli Evans

11 Called to be a Global Communion Some years ago a woman with a foreign accent – a friend of mine – knocked on the door of one of our churches in Bogotá. That church’s pastor – another friend of mine – opened the door. The woman was evangelizing that neighborhood and started to talk with my friend without knowing about his Christian commitment. He invited her to talk, thinking he would give testimony to this foreign missionary that maybe belonged to some strange religion. They were talking for several minutes before they discovered their common faith. The surprise grew even bigger when they realized they both were members of the same tradition – Anabaptism – and, more than this, that they were members of the same Mennonite denomination. She was shocked to learn that there are around 12 Anabaptist churches in Bogotá. For several years this woman, who had come from a European country, had been serving in this city as a missionary under the auspices of her Mennonite church, without being in touch with Colombian Mennonites of her same church family. I would like to say that the story of my pastor-friend and his European missionary visitor is just an isolated case. However, similar stories are repeated again and again around the world in places where Anabaptist churches and agencies serve without knowing what other members of our global communion in the same place are doing. Anabaptist presence lacks power and impact when worldwide communication among our members and institutions is not fluid. This is one of the reasons why Mennonite World Conference has revisited and revised its communication strategy. This issue of Courier/Correo/Courrier describes how that new strategy is being implemented by harnessing the power of new media and prudently investing our resources where they’re needed most. The result, we hope, will be Volume 28, Number 1 better communication among our members around the world. Courier/Correo/Courrier is a publication of Communication has the same root as other important words in MWC’s mission and Mennonite World Conference. Six times a year vision: communion and community. It is not possible to have real communion with those it is published as a four-page newsletter – with the subtitle “News/Noticias/Nouvelles” – with whom we do not communicate. It is impossible to build a global community if we do containing current news and updates. Twice not talk each other on a regular basis. It is not possible to rejoice with those who rejoice a year, the newsletter becomes one section and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15), if we do not know their joys as well as in a sixteen-page magazine, which carries inspirational essays, study and teaching their sufferings. documents and feature-length articles. Each Good communication makes possible the sharing of resources, experiences, gifts and edition is published in English, Spanish and French. weaknesses in a way that strengthens our service and testimony. Good communication enables us to network teams for more efficient and effective work in church planting, César Garcia Publisher peacemaking, social development and education. What could happen if this work is done Ron Rempel Chief Communications Officer Devin Manzullo-Thomas Editor in a multicultural way and as an expression of Christ’s church? What could happen if we Glenn Fretz Designer see our global family as an organic body that is interconnected and intercommunicated, Eleanor Miller Communications Assistant instead of just a network of institutions? What could happen if we avoid duplication of Sylvie Gudin French Translator Marisa & Eunice Miller Spanish Translators efforts, while celebrating differences and diversity? Some weeks ago I went to a meeting of Mennonite pastors in Bogotá. There were my Courier/Correo/Courrier is available on request. Send all correspondence to: two friends: the pastor and the European missionary. These two leaders have learned MWC, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, Bogotá, to communicate and to work together. As a result, the church has grown in many ways. Colombia. Can we imitate their example? Can we keep building a global community through better Email: [email protected] communication? May we be one, so that the world may believe that Jesus was sent by our www.mwc-cmm.org Father (John 17:21).

César García, MWC General Secretary, works out of the head office in Bogotá, Colombia.

12 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2013