April 2015 Volume 30, Number 2

3 Inspiration and refection It Takes a (Global) Village 6 Perspectives Global Commu- nion and Why It Matters 10 Country Profle United States 14 Pennsylvania 2015 News 6

Insert Courier News

Cover Photo: Members of the Open Door Mennonite Church in Jackson, Mississippi, USA, greet each other in a warm embrace. A Mennonite World Conference member church, Mennonite Church USA is among many denominations From the Editor’s Desk that comprise the Anabaptist mosaic in the USA. To learn more about Mennonite Church USA and other USA “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of Anabaptists, see the country profle it. And God has appointed in the church frst apostles, second beginning on page 12. Photo by Vida prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, Snider and used courtesy of Mennonite forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Church USA Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Correction: Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you In the February 2015 a still more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:27-31) issue Courier News (p. iii), a quotation By the time many of you read this issue of Courier/Correo/Courrier, by Adi Walujo was we’ll be less than three months away from the opening of the next Mennonite World incorrectly paired Conference Assembly, Pennsylvania 2015. As a resident of this Assembly’s hosting with a photograph city – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – I’m looking forward to welcoming my sisters and of Paulus Widjaja. brothers from around the world to my backyard! What a joy and a privilege to fellowship The correct photo appears here. with Christ-followers from around the world. The Courier staf apologizes for the As we continue to prepare for Pennsylvania 2015, this issue of Courier/Correo/ error. Courrier provides us with an opportunity to refect on an important question: Why do we need a global church? This question is foundational to the work of MWC. And it’s a question that’s relevant not just during times (like Assembly) when the global church gathers together in one place. We also need to know why we need a global church when we’re spread around the world, separated into our diferent nations, denominations and regional conferences. The question “Why do we need a global church?” is the focus of both the “Inspiration and Refection” and “Perspectives” sections of our magazine. In her article “It Takes a (Global) Village,” MWC Chief Development Ofcer Arli Klassen argues that Volume 30, Number 2 the global church is necessary because it provides us with a space in which sharing about our diferences can strengthen us and make us better followers of Jesus. In Courier/Correo/Courrier is a publication of Mennonite World Conference. Six times a year Perspectives, Anabaptist leaders from very diferent cultural, political, social and it is published as a four-page newsletter – religious contexts – Canada, Kenya, Germany and India – each provide an answer with the subtitle “News/Noticias/Nouvelles” – based on their experiences in their homelands. Taken together, these articles ofer useful containing current news and updates. Twice refections leading up to Assembly. a year, the newsletter becomes one section in a sixteen-page magazine, which carries And to further prepare for Assembly, this issue features a new issue of Pennsylvania inspirational essays, study and teaching 2015 News, featuring updated information about the global gathering, as well as a documents and feature-length articles. Each country profle of the USA, which is hosting this year’s Assembly for the frst time in edition is published in English, Spanish and more than a quarter-century. French. I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming Assembly! As I continue to César Garcia Publisher wait expectantly for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to gather in my home country with Ron Rempel Chief Communications Ofcer brothers and sisters from around the world, I continue to remind myself of the words Devin Manzullo-Thomas Editor of the Apostle Paul, who told us that we will be shown “a still more excellent way” Glenn Fretz Designer (1 Corinthians 12:31). May MWC be one body in which we all learn that more excellent Sylvie Gudin French Translator Marisa & Eunice Miller Spanish Translators way.

Courier/Correo/Courrier is available on request. Devin Manzullo-Thomas is editor for Mennonite World Conference. Send all correspondence to: MWC, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, Bogotá, Colombia.

Email: [email protected] www.mwc-cmm.org

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 Ofce: Courier, 451B Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg VA 22801 USA. Periodical postage paid at Harrisonburg VA. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, 451B Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg VA 22801.

2 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 Inspiration and Refection It Takes a (Global) Village Being the people God wants us to be

This change illustrates the frst point I Three Mennonite women from diferent by Arli Klassen countries share together during a Mennonite want to make: Culture matters, because World Conference gathering in Ethiopia. Photo hen someone asks you to culture defnes who we are. by Merle Good use a few words to describe The second point I want to make is that yourself, what words do you language matters. I have learned a little bit challenge for Christians, whose beliefs use? Would you change of several languages, and I am fascinated and practices are shaped by culture and those words to describe by words that exist in one language and language even though our faith transcends Wyourself when you are with your family? At have no direct translation into another those categories. work? Travelling to some distant place? language. In Sesotho I learned that there is I discovered that the words I use to actually a word for a body part that heals Biblical examples of diference describe myself change, depending on badly after a break or a wound – we have no The Bible gives us some images and stories my cultural context. When we lived in such word in English. And in Spanish and to explain and understand our diferences Toronto, the two most basic words I used French there is the lovely word animateur or in language in culture – and to show us to describe myself were “Christian” and animador, someone who plays a facilitating how these diferences can in fact be part of “woman.” Those were the two parts of my and encouraging leadership role in a group God’s plan for building the Church. life that made the most diference in how of people, a concept that just does not The frst book of the Bible, Genesis, I lived. Imagine my surprise, then, when make it into English. And in German we tells the story of the Tower of Babel. This we moved to southern Africa and those have the lovely word gemeinschaft, a word story gives two reasons for all the diferent words didn’t really matter as key parts of that English speakers have translated into language groups. One reason is that unity my identity! Everyone we interacted with “brotherhood” and “community,” though based on sameness leads to pride, and defned themselves as Christian, so that these translations fail to capture the depth the other reason is that unity based on was taken for granted; and it was far more of meaning that word has in German. Each sameness is a response to fear. In Genesis important that I was a mother than that of these examples underscores the fact that 11:4-6, we read that the people wanted I was a woman. By contrast, in southern language matters, because language gives to be famous and that they were afraid Africa, the most important thing was that us the concepts that are important in our of being scattered. Both impulses are I was white – an aspect of identity I had culture. rooted in dependence in oneself instead taken for granted in Canada. There are some deep diferences among of depending on God: “Look, they are one A Christian woman – those were the all our various languages and cultures people, and they have all one language; and important parts of my identity in Canada. around the world, diferences that go this is only the beginning of what they will A white mother – those diferent parts of far deeper than we sometimes realize. do.” my identity became the most important Culture, shaped by language, impacts our in Lesotho. My self-understanding of my worldview, our self-understanding and identity changed, even though I had not our sense of identity. And this is particular changed.

3 Inspiration and Refection

The theologian Walter Brueggeman says this is a story of people who wanted to be great because of their cookie- cutter sameness – same language, same food, same clothes, same culture. There is a lot that can be accomplished in a homogeneous culture. Brueggemann suggests that God scatters the people to show them a better way. The unity God wants for the human race is diverse people drawn together by common faith and values, not drawn together by sameness in language and culture. Brueggemann says that the many languages and the scattering in this story are not a punishment, but are actually an opportunity to live up to the much greater potential God wills for the earth. God gave the people of the Tower of Babel the opportunity to experience diference in order to learn to depend on God and to be drawn together through faith rather than through culture. It takes a global village to be who God wants us to be. Another biblical image of diference occurs at the other end of the Bible – in the last book, Revelation. In Revelation 7:9-14, we read about an uncountable number of people, from every nation, every tribe and every language, all singing and worshipping God together. This is the opposite image to the Tower of Babel. This is a little glimpse of heaven! This image comes to us as part of the story in Revelation of the opening of the seven seals – seven events with terrible Anabaptists from around the world share in consequences for the people. This image Becoming God’s multicultural people a communion service during the 2012 MWC is actually in between the opening of the For the Jewish people in Israel who General Council meeting, held in Basel, Switzerland. Photo by Merle Good sixth seal and the seventh seal, like a little thought they alone were God’s chosen break in the story. Here we have this image people, this image of a multicultural people of the people of God, from every culture of God is a drastic shift in thinking. In means through which we understand and and language, together worshipping God, Ephesians 3, Paul very directly states that worship God. There is much to celebrate regardless of the ordeals, persecutions and once the Gentiles were not only foreigners in many of our ways of worshipping and tribulations that they are experiencing. and aliens but uncircumcised, and therefore understanding God, wherever it is that we In the previous chapter (Revelation not part of Israel, not part of God’s people. live and worship. But our own ways are not 6:17), a question is asked: “Who is able to But now, he concludes, through Christ they the only ways! Our ways are comfortable stand in the midst of all these ordeals?” belong – fully belong. Paul’s commentary and familiar, and our leaders can even The answer is given in this image: it is the was an immense shift in thinking for usually give extensive biblical explanations multicultural people of God who together Jewish Christians. Only then could they for why we think our practices are the right worship and praise God from every country begin to understand that there could be way. and every language, and who are able diferent ways of worshipping God than Like the people at the Tower of Babel, to stand throughout persecution and their own Jewish traditions, particularly the we are too often afraid that diferences will tribulation. It takes a global village to be the practices that gave them identity, such as create disunity and will scatter us. We are people God wants us to be, and to be able circumcision and food laws. too often ready to depend on language and to stay strong through persecution. For those of us who think our ways of culture and tradition to hold us together, worshipping and understanding God are instead of depending on God’s ways to hold the right ways or the best ways or even the us together across our diferences. We need only ways, the image of God’s multicultural to become like the people in Revelation, a people in Revelation 7 is also an immense shift in our own thinking. It takes a global village to be the people God wants us to be. We are cultural people, and our own cultural traditions and languages are the

4 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 multicultural group praising God together, same songs or pray in the same way is to follow Jesus. I believe that we can who are able to withstand all persecution. It a good thing. Many of us also belong to best answer the question, “What does it takes a global village to be the people God regional or national conferences – another mean to be an Anabaptist Christian in my wants us to be. setting in which we share customs and cultural context today?” by fnding out how traditions that bind us together in common people in other cultural contexts answer A glimpse of heaven on earth identity. And yet I know that even within that question. MWC is the place where we Having studied sociology, I know that every congregations and conferences there is walk this journey of faith with others who group works hard to create its own identity always just enough diference to bring are diferent from us – diferent cultures, and its own way of doing things, and that confict and tension. Those diferences are diferent countries, even diferent types those ways of belonging are important. We magnifed when we put a large number of of Anabaptists in diferent conferences. all want to belong to a group with whom congregations and conferences together MWC is the place where we are bound we share identity; that is normal human within one country, and then across together by our shared convictions as nature. Belonging is a good thing! However, cultures, languages and countries. Anabaptist Christians. Together, we are a these stories in Genesis, Revelation and Mennonite World Conference is diferent bit of heaven here on earth. Together, we Ephesians help us to see that God intends from belonging to a local congregation or are strong enough to resist persecution and for us to share our primary identity with conference. MWC is our global Anabaptist temptation. other Jesus-followers, rather than with church community, where we come those who share our language, culture or together because we share convictions Together with all the saints nationality. We belong to a people whose about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Let us look back again at the passage worldview is shaped by God, the Bible and church. It is our place to catch just a little written by Paul to the Christians in our faith community. Our primary identity is glimpse of heaven on earth – a glimpse of Ephesus – not to the Jewish Christians, as Christians. We belong to a local church what it is like to worship God together with but to Gentile Christians. He reminds them and a global church. This identity and a multitude of others from diferent nations, in chapters 2 and 3 that they are fellow belonging should be the primary infuence diferent cultures and diferent languages. It citizens of God’s people, full members of on who we are. is a glimpse of being the people God wants God’s household and sharers in the promise Our congregations are places where we us to be – a people bound together by more in Christ Jesus. That was an amazing, new, belong, where we know each other and than language, culture or local customs and yet controversial idea way back then, and it where we enjoy similar styles of worship traditions. continues to transform our understanding and following Jesus. Belonging to a local MWC is a place for us to learn from of God’s actions in our world today. We congregation where we like to sing the our cultural diversity about what it means are all full members of God’s household, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus, across all the diferences that so easily divide us. Paul ofers a prayer for this Gentile church in Ephesians 3:14-21. He prays that they might comprehend the immensity of the love of God – the breadth, length, depth and height of the love of God. And he prays that they might know it “with all the saints.” I love that little phrase in there. I read it to say that we cannot really know the immensity of God’s love without all the saints. It is only in the messiness of diference – cultural and linguistic and political and theological and economic – with all the saints, that we can begin to grasp the love of God. It takes a global village to begin to understand the immensity of God’s love, and to be the people God wants us to be.

Arli Klassen is chief development ofcer for Mennonite World Conference.

Two Mennonite women, one from North America and one from Indonesia, converse. For Anabaptists, MWC is the place where such intercultural contact is possible. Photo by Merle Good

5 Perspectives Global Communion and Why It Matters

!"#$%&'()*%+&*,-.&/0*1%22'32/(3*3%*4/'()*.*5%&$05'0/*6.2'$7 As Mennonite World Conference, we share a commitment to being a worldwide communion (koinonia) of faith and life. Together, we seek to be a fellowship that transcends boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender and language. Yet because of our diversity, each MWC member church brings a distinct understanding of the importance of global communion to its participation and investment in MWC. This issue of Courier / Correo / Courrier seeks to discern the variety of reasons why Anabaptist communities from around the world come together to form MWC. In the articles that follow, writers refect on the question: Why does my local or regional fellowship need a global communion? Jesus With Skin On

by Darrell Winger First, our witness for Christ is Canada we are convinced that a core way strengthened. Canada is one of the most to become more like Jesus is to cultivate “Late one stormy night, a small voice multicultural countries in the world. As mutual, compassionate relationships locally was heard from the bedroom across you spend time in our cities, walk our and globally. MWC provides the opportunity the hall. “Mommy, I’m scared!” Mom streets, visit our shopping malls or go into to be in proximity with others that otherwise responds sympathetically, “Honey, don’t any number of our schools, you will soon might seem distant. The spiritual formation be afraid, I’m right across the hall.” After observe a rich mosaic of people groups, that comes through being in community a short time, with thunder snapping in languages, faiths and cultures. With with others – hearing their stories, learning the distance, the little voice says again, hundreds of thousands of new immigrants of their joys and suferings and seeing “I’m still scared!” Mom replies, “You don’t coming from every region of the globe each truth from their vantage point – is provided need to be afraid. Close your eyes and year, this diversity only increases. As we through MWC. The global family is often pray. And remember that Jesus is always lovingly reach out to our neighbours and more seasoned in kingdom truth than those with you.” The next time the pause is co-workers with the message of Jesus, of us who have only lived in Canada. longer—but the voice returns along with our BIC congregations are increasingly One of our congregations recalls the a little child standing next to her bed: refecting this diversity. The truth that the visit of Anabaptist friends from southern “Mommy, can I get in bed with you and Africa that helped them discern aspects Daddy?” As Mom is just about to lose her of spiritual warfare the congregation was patience, her little boy catches her eyes “ As Mennonite World experiencing and then encouraged them and says, “Mommy, I know that Jesus through intercessory prayer and worship. is always with me, but right now I need Conference embodies Our sisters and brothers who have had Jesus with skin on.” the reality of our global to wrestle much more with sufering, with poverty and with persecution have so much very time I hear some version fellowship in Christ, to teach us as we share life together. This of this little story, I smile at the our Brethren in Christ interaction allows for a course correction, humorous way that its simple truth on a personal and congregational level, as is conveyed. There are critical Canada congregations we align with realities that are discovered times in life when we need the are strengthened in through friendships within our global family. Epresence of another person to serve as The way we live our lives, spend our the physical presence of Jesus—someone important ways.” time and money, invest our energies and to be “Jesus with skin on” for comfort, embrace the sufering that comes into our strength or some other signifcant need we lives changes as a result of coming close have in that moment. I imagine many can Gospel bridges all ethnic and cultural to and being family with those from around relate to this child’s desire! divisions is made real and visible through the world. The more we engage in global In a similar manner, there are other congregations that actually refect the fellowship, the more natural it seems to spiritual truths that need some “skin on,” demographic reality surrounding them. embrace the deeper change that needs to some concrete embodiment, in order Our engagement with MWC expresses happen in our lives, and in our churches, in to become real to us. For Brethren in this same commitment: in Christ we order to be more like Christ. Christ (BIC) congregations in Canada, the become one global family. MWC provides We are blessed to belong to MWC – Mennonite World Conference provides this our congregations a concrete avenue by “Jesus with skin on” for the congregations embodiment of the important truth that which to realize and reveal this truth. In of BIC Canada. we belong to a church family that spreads turn, this strengthens our witness to the around the world. We know that followers Darrell Winger served as bishop/ peace possible in Christ. Those coming executive director of Brethren in Christ of Jesus everywhere are made one through into our congregations from various Canada from 1997-2004 and 2009 faith in him; however, we can experience backgrounds can see that the reconciling to 2013, and the general secretary this precious truth in a practical way since message of Jesus is more than mere of Brethren in Christ North America MWC puts “skin” on it for us. As MWC from 2004-2006. For several years, words. he also served in leadership with embodies the reality of our global fellowship Second, as we engage in the programs the International Brethren in Christ in Christ, our BIC Canada congregations are and activities of MWC, our process of Association. Currently, Darrell is pursuing a PhD in strengthened in important ways. discipleship is also strengthened. In BIC political theology at Toronto School of Theology.

6 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 A Glimpse of the Universal Church

by Rainer W. Burkart result of German history, which includes the of MWC brothers and sisters. Moreover, at major Protestant-Catholic split of the 16th- every WFS observance we collect a special pastor the Mennonite congregation in century Reformation era.) We value close ofering for MWC in addition to what we the town of Enkenbach, near the city cooperation with other denominations for give through our conference for the MWC of Kaiserslautern in the Palatinate area a better witness to the world. In our town, Fair Share. In 2012, when the MWC General in southwest Germany. Our church which has Catholic and other Protestant Council met in Europe, we invited two guest has 260 members and an average (United Church) congregations, we have speakers – women theologians/pastors Iattendance of about 100 persons at a good fellowship. We have a sense of the from Japan and Democratic Republic of regular Sunday service. unity of the Christian church. Congo – into our worship services. This was The congregation was founded after At the same time, our congregation needs unique and gave us an important glimpse World War II by Mennonite refugees from to realize that our Anabaptist-Mennonite into the growth of the Anabaptist-Mennonite east and west Prussia (now Poland) who family is larger that our local congregation. tradition into a global, multicultural had to leave their homelands because of That expanded worldview comes through phenomenon. A year before, in 2011, we the war. (By contrast, other Mennonite our involvement with Mennonite World were fortunate to have MWC General congregations in the Palatinate area date Conference. Secretary César García visit our church to their origin back to the 17th century, when Involvement with MWC ofers several give a presentation on the work of MWC. Mennonite refugees seeking refuge from tangible benefts. First, it helps to His time with us also helped to show our persecution migrated from Switzerland.) people the reality of global Anabaptist faith. In Enkenbach, non-German young men Furthermore, we have been fortunate serving in Europe through Mennonite “Surely the biblical to host individuals from North America Central Committee’s PAX program, a through the Intermenno Trainee Program, post-war relief efort, erected houses for understanding of an exchange initiative that invites young Mennonite refugees here as a settlement, people to live in Europe and gain frsthand allowing our congregation to fourish. the Church is more experience with European culture and Today’s members are either refugees who than just the local languages. Moreover, we have hosted came here at a young age or frst generation Paraguayan volunteers who have served in “Palatinate” Germans. congregation. . . our midst. Some have even stayed and got Our congregation is one of the larger Mennonite World married here. ones in Germany, much larger than the Beyond these ventures in the local average Mennonite congregation in the Conference ofers congregation, a considerable number of Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer our members who can aford to travel Gemeinden conference (not counting the us a glimpse of the have attended MWC Assemblies over the larger congregations from Russian-German universal identity of decades, including the gatherings in India background). (1997), Zimbabwe (2003) and Paraguay The local congregation plays a very the People of God.” (2009). In each instance our people have important role in our German Mennonite come back enriched and impressed, and tradition. Early Anabaptists emphasized the have given reports on their experiences. centrality of the local congregation, and this strengthen our common identity as Surely the biblical understanding of emphasis helped the movement survive Anabaptist-Mennonites. In our local the Church is more than just the local in times of persecution. Throughout the congregation, we organized two small congregation. Christians from many years, though, this congregationalism has groups that read and studied the shared tribes and nations are bound together led to weaknesses, including a sometimes- convictions of MWC, using Alfred Neufeld’s by more than just local identity. From too-strong sense of self-sufciency. book What We Believe Together, a book a biblical perspective, the Church is a For example, many members of our from the Global Anabaptist-Mennonite communion of believers who transcend congregation think of themselves not only Shelf of Literature, recommended by labels of nation, ethnicity and race. It is a Mennonites, but “Enkenbach Mennonites“ MWC. Currently, another small group reads universal (or catholic, in the truest sense who are not so much interested in other another book from MWC’s bookshelf: of the word) body. To make this known Mennonite traditions. In the years of its Bernhard Ott’s God’s Shalom Project. Both and to help experience its truth at the origin our congregation had around 500 books help us to “stay in conversation” with local congregational level, we need MWC. members and over the decades that large each other about our faith and practice as Ultimately, MWC ofers us a glimpse of the membership sustained many programs, well as with the thinking and believing of the universal, even ecumenical, identity of the making the congregation quite independent wider Anabaptist tradition. We read them People of God. from other Mennonite groups. This has not as prescriptive documents; instead, changed over the decades, due to declining we desire to be part of a wider process Rainer W. Burkart is pastor of the of thinking and believing. We fnd these Enkenbach Mennonite Church in membership numbers. Still, a real danger Enkenbach, Germany. Beyond his exists: the possibility that congregations recommended books helpful. In addition, involvement in MWC ofers local congregation, he has served will lose sight of one another, developing a on the MWC Executive Committee mentality of “we are we and others do their a reminder that the Anabaptist-Mennonite and Faith and Life Commission, family has grown way beyond the ethnic and co-chaired the Lutheran World own business.” Federation/Mennonite World Conference Fortunately, many people in German (Swiss or Prussian) cultures in which Anabaptism was frst nurtured. International Study Commission (2005-2008), which Germany – including many people in laid the groundwork for an of reconciliation between our congregation – have a vision for For instance, we observe the annual Lutherans and Anabaptists. ecumenism. (This probably developed as a World Fellowship Sunday (WFS) in our congregation, and as a result we regularly receive interesting information on the life

7 Perspectives The Interdependent Existence

by Rebecca Osiro Christ from around the world. Our orundu As a global church, let us stand with the stands to run dry unless we constantly draw struggling minorities in areas where the rowing up, my late mother courage, strength and comfort from God gospel is threatened. It is time that we re- had a grass-thatched kitchen through the existence and strength of and examine the relationship between theology with an orundu – a small encouragement from the larger community. and economics. The global church should garden containing all sorts of Our regional afliations with the Eastern steer its objectives towards the well being vegetables – located behind African Mennonite community facilitate our of its members. This is defnitely a huge Gthe kitchen. Orundu would also serve as a global connections. We share at the regional responsibility but Jesus made it clear that “testing ground” where any new seed could level so that we can better identify with the it is not easy to enter the Kingdom of God be planted to verify its ability to germinate global community and participate efectively (Matthew 18:3-4; Mark 9:47; Luke 18:24- and mature. Having been tested, the new in it. Without the global community, the 25), yet we can do all things through Christ crop could then be planted in the larger regional caucuses would have no meaning. who enables us (Philemon 4:3). puodho, or farm. They provide efective intermediaries Another beneft is identity. Having A well-maintained orundu is not sufcient between the local and the global. They attended and participated in a number of for the family; yet puodho draws from are the glues that hold the global and MWC forums, I can attest that great efort is orundu in many ways. During my childhood, the local frmly together. The Keyna being put into cultivating a common identity. the family was fed from orundu as we Mennonite Church and Kanisa la Mennonite Formulation of theologies and theological waited for crops to mature in puodho. terminologies that will instill unity rather than Orundu was easier to tend as it was within homogeneity is of paramount importance. proximity than puodho that was larger but “ Our local community By participating in the global church fora, not close to the homesteads and required we are enabled and subsequently fnd the greater efort to tend yet gave greater stands to run dry need to re-shape our social categories in yields. unless we constantly order to enhance a common identity as the When thinking about the connection body of Christ. A common identity does between the local congregation and the draw courage, not compel us to strive for homogeneity. global church family, orudnu and puodho Instead, it gives us room to rise above our ofer compelling symbols, ofering clearly strength and comfort comfort zones to a meaningful and worthy not only the necessity but also the essence through the existence fellowship. We can meaningfully identify of the global in relation to the local. Most and attempt to positively reshape our social importantly, the imagery speaks to the of and encouragement categories when we participate together as ways in which the global depends on from the global a global community. the local, and vice versa – what I call the Agreements, disagreements and interdependent existence. community.” negotiations are all healthy components The terms “global” and “local” are in re-shaping our identity. We should not inherently interdependent, particularly keep away from the fellowship in fear of within the church as a community of Tanzania (Mennonite Church of Tanzania) these healthy conficts, for doing so would believers brought together by faith in bishops, executive ofces and various be tantamount to closing doors to the God. As a pastor and Mennonite World departments at national levels play pivotal very fellowship with God that we desire Conference regional representative, my roles in shepherding believers towards a to cultivate. Ultimately, we adjust our spheres of orundu are twofold: the Eastleigh common goal – being one body of Christ (1 behaviours and self-image based upon our Fellowship Centre (EFC), a small Mennonite Corinthians 12:27). interactions and our self-refections about congregation in the eastern part of Nairobi, What are some of the benefts yielded by these interactions. Kenya, and the Eastern African Mennonite the connections between the local and the In conclusion, as we approach and community. My tasks are challenging, taking global? continue to prepare for the next Mennonite into account that both are voluntary roles. One beneft is harmony. Sociologists World Conference Assembly this year, However, the beauty of fellowship in Jesus have identifed the concept of “other” neither liberal, conservative nor middle- Christ and the interdependence of local or “otherness” as a force that divides ground perspectives should linger in our and global fellowships supersedes all the people. This otherness is not innate minds. Instead, our watchword should be challenges therein. but constructed. People decide what is “fellowship of the Body of Christ.” We need At the EFC congregation, for example, “diferent” and exclude them. This can be both orundu and puodho, local and global. we worship through songs of praise, very destructive in the body of Christ. As We need one another. fellowship, visitations, teachings and believers, we share a oneness in Jesus Sunday school classes in a setting where Christ, and that should be our focus Rebecca Osiro is a pastor-theologian regardless of diferences in geography, and the frst woman ordained to ministry the majority of people are predominantly in the Kenya Mennonite Church. She Muslims of Somali origin. This context is culture and race, or at times of economic is the MWC Eastern Africa regional not only challenging but, at times, heart- imbalances and political crises. We should representative and a member of the breaking. Although we appreciate the embark on deliberate eforts to deconstruct MWC Faith and Life Commission. In any forces of “otherness” within the addition, she has represented MWC composition of our region, recognizing in the trilateral dialogue between that all people are God’s creation, in faith church so that the “oppressed other” Mennonites, Catholics and Lutherans. issues we need the fellowship of the larger can fnd space among us Christians as community – a global community that being the “gracious other.” For example, transcends our local area in which we are EFC’s existence in harmony with the religious minorities, a community in which predominantly non-Christian community we connect with brothers and sisters in should not go unnoticed.

8 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 Strength in the Gathered

by Cynthia Peacock

ecently, I had the opportunity to travel to all nine Mennonite/ Anabaptist and Brethren in Christ conferences in India and Nepal. These conferences have Rcongregations (including house churches) in mostly rural areas where the non-Christians signifcantly outnumber the Christians. Often, membership numbers are very low. The pastors are few in number and, due to geographic limitations and lack of sufcient resources, they are unable to visit with and provide spiritual nourishment for each member. As a result, many of these congregations have succumbed to a minority complex, with feelings of loneliness, fear, mistrust and even abandonment. In this situation, it is difcult to know what it means to be a part of a larger family of God. Though these congregations are aware of the regional or national conference A musical group performs at one of the to which they belong, they have no sense of Those who listened enjoyed learning that workshops held across India and Nepal for a global communion. they belong to a much bigger family of God. Anabaptist/Mennonite and Brethren in Christ This reality led to my recent tour of the By the end of each visit, local conferences Christians. Photo by Carol Zook Indian and Nepalese conferences, which wanted to know when the next visit would I undertook alongside a number of other occur! Churches big and small desired spiritual growth. Yet the feelings associated global Anabaptist leaders: Madhukant to know more and experience greater with this complex seem to disappear as Masih, the new director of the Mennonite fellowship with Christians around the world. church leaders and members discover the Christian Service Fellowship of India Many expressed interest in participating in global Anabaptist community. Increasingly, (MCSFI), an inter-Mennonite agency that the One Lunch Ofering that will be raised these believers know that they are on a provides a forum for the nine Mennonite- during the annual World Fellowship Sunday. journey with brothers and sisters around related denominations in India to relate to Learning about the needs of people all over the globe – a journey to know each other, each other for fellowship and in service to the world makes even the poorest church struggle together and bring hope in the their society; Henk Stenvers, secretary of want to share whatever little they have. midst of hopelessness, injustice and the Mennonite World Conference Deacons Throughout India and Nepal, our violence. Commission; and César García, MWC churches desperately need to know what Investment in the work of MWC has general secretary. One goal of our tour it means to be a peace church. MWC brought positive change to the minds, was to share information on MCSFI and has provided the resources and training attitudes and actions of the churches. MWC and to explain the diferent roles and needed to achieve such an understanding. Those involved in local ministry must programs of each organization. Another goal In October and November 2014, MWC continue to do whatever necessary to grow – and perhaps the most important one – co-sponsored (with MCSFI and Mennonite this newfound sense of global communion. was to help each conference understand Central Committee) a series of workshops MWC creates the space in which diverse our global connectedness. We wanted them throughout our conferences aimed at believers can come together to connect, to understand that, through MWC, we are strengthening Anabaptist identity. Around learn and share. In such contexts, we gain a linked as brothers and sisters in Christ. 500 pastors and leaders – including women better understanding of how God is working During our tour we noticed that very and youth – beneftted from excellent among all people in all circumstances – an few people knew about MWC. (Those who teaching provided by global church leaders. expanded understanding of God’s kingdom did had attended the MWC Assembly in (For more on these workshops, see the at work in the world. Calcutta in 1997.) We began our explanation February 2015 issue of Courier News.) with the local and moved to the global. The much-needed understanding of Cynthia Peacock is the MWC South Asia We used statistics and photographs to “peace with justice” is now becoming regional representative. She also chairs the MWC Deacons Commission. Prior explain the work of MWC and how it clearer in the context where our churches to retirement in 2006, she served as a connects conferences around the world for are located – a context of poverty, injustice social worker with Mennonite Central fellowship, worship, witness and service. As and violence. Local church leaders have Committee for 38 years. we spoke, ears perked up. Eyes widened. committed to extending the teachings provided in these workshops, sharing Christian truth and wisdom to a wider group of people in our conferences’ rural regions. Another need in our conferences is fellowship. These churches’ “minority complex” has sometimes been a barrier to

9 Country Profle The United States Diversity, dynamism and paradox

Members of the Open Door Mennonite Church by Steven M. Nolt MWC and others might never learn that the in Jackson, Mississippi, USA, greet each other Assembly is taking place. But most would in a warm embrace. The congregation refects hen Anabaptists from around recognize in MWC’s “Shared Convictions” the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ in the U.S. the world come to the some refection of what they believe. Photo by Vida Snider and used courtesy of United States this summer Mennonite Church USA for the sixteenth Mennonite A context for Anabaptist witness World Conference Assembly, The United States was formed, in 1776, Wwhat might they expect to fnd? as the frst modern republic. Its founders Like other countries, the USA is also The United States is a large and diverse believed they were engaging in a pioneering a nation of national myths. There is, for nation, and so are its populations of political experiment and granted relatively example, the myth of the “melting pot,” Mennonites, Brethren in Christ, Amish and generous freedom of conscience to diverse by which many U.S. Americans believe Hutterites. By one count there are at least Christian groups. It was also a nation in that assimilation is inevitable or benign or 68 distinct Anabaptist groups in the United which, until 1865, at least 12 of every 100 both. Perhaps more important has been States with more than 400,000 members people were enslaved men and women of the myth of “individual transcendence,” a in about 4,600 local congregations. African descent. The USA is also shaped promise that people can leave all tradition Anabaptists in the USA live in diferent types by a history of immigration so that today behind and start over anew, that the future of communities, emerged from diferent people from all parts of the globe call is better than the past and that new equals histories and express their faith in quite the United States home. It has a highly improved. Americans in the USA are much diferent ways. Some of them know very complex economy, renowned research more apt to deal with discontent by leaving little about one another. Some will attend universities, a tradition of civil liberties a product, group or situation behind and and an extraordinarily large and globally starting over again rather than sticking with active military. All of these factors provide a context in which U.S. Christians – including Mennonites and other Anabaptists – live.

10 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 something old and working to improve or adapt it. This faith has animated U.S. society, infuencing even its churches. The United States has birthed an unrivaled number of denominations and “independent churches” across the theological spectrum.

Two broad groupings One way to think about Anabaptists in the USA, in very broad strokes, is to consider two groupings: those Anabaptists who are fairly integrated into mainstream economic and education patterns, and those Anabaptists whose daily routines clearly set them apart from their neighbors. The frst group would include most members of Mennonite Church USA, the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren, the Brethren in Christ (BIC) in the U.S., the Conservative Mennonite Conference and others. (All those listed above are Mennonite World Conference member churches.) While these sisters and brothers A “brush-arbor tabernacle” constructed for In contrast, the Old Order Amish – the Brethren in Christ evangelistic meetings in generally strive to live their faith in ways that Leedy, Oklahoma, in 1919. The BIC represent make a diference in their local contexts, largest Anabaptist group in the United one U.S. Anabaptist community shaped by those contexts are very often professional, States with almost 12,000 baptized numerous spiritual renewal movements. Photo middle class and urban or suburban. These members – as well as Old Order Mennonites courtesy of the Brethren in Christ Historical Mennonites and BIC typically get their and a collection of related groups generally Library and Archives news from conventional media sources, do not share these assumptions and values. own private automobiles, believe that doing From how they get dressed in the morning horses, reject higher education and refuse well in school is central to their children’s to the way they get to work and what they to put their trust in commercial insurance economic future and assume that health hope for their children, these Anabaptist are plans. care should be better than it was for their purposefully out of step with what the vast There are, of course, exceptions and grandparents. majority of U.S. citizens think is central to variations in this broad pattern. Members the good life. Tens of thousands travel with of acculturated groups are likely to say that they go against the grain as pacifsts and as people who champion high moral standards. And some Old Order Anabaptists are becoming more integrated into the national economy. Still, some of the frst things observers from afar may recognize are diferences between those who have adjusted to the basic contours of U.S. society – or, in the case of new immigrants and communities of color, are trying to gain greater access to those basic contours – and the so-called “plain” groups who resist in striking ways the national myths of assimilation and individual transcendence.

Stories of immigration and renewal Mennonites frst came to what would become the United States in small numbers in the 1600s. Larger waves of Mennonites and Amish emigrated from Western Europe in the 1700s and early 1800s, and Mennonites and Hutterites from the Russian Empire arrived in the 1870s. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) service Slowly – sometimes very slowly – these worker Michael Sharp visits with Elizabeth Germanic churches opened themselves Namavu and her children as part of his work up to people from other backgrounds, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. including Native Americans on whose Many Mennonites and BIC from the U.S. have developed global connections, sometimes land Mennonite settlement had depended. through service with MCC. Photo by Jana Strict immigration laws locked out most Asenbrennerova newcomers in the mid-1900s, but since

11 Country Profle

8(.4.#3',3,*'(*3-/* Evangelical Mennonite Mission 9('3/0*:3.3/, Conference A snapshot of Mennonite World Membership 4,387 (Canada) / 425 (USA) Conference member churches Congregations 22 (Canada) / 4 (USA) Headquarters Winnipeg, Manitoba At the same time, the largest numeric Presiding Ofcer Jake Thiessen Brethren in Christ (BIC) U.S. growth in the U.S. Anabaptist world is Sinode Jemaat Kristen Indonesia among Amish and Old Order Mennonite Membership 22,120 groups. Evangelically-oriented Mennonites Congregations 262 Membership 600 and BIC often dismiss these groups’ growth Headquarters Mechanicsburg, Congregations 8 since it virtually all comes from the ranks of Pennsylvania Presiding Ofcer Alan Robinson U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren their own ofspring. Nevertheless, culturally Churches conservative Anabaptist churches do a Conservative Mennonite Conference remarkable job of attracting and retaining Membership 35,488 their youth. The size and increase of these Membership 11,616 Congregations 196 Headquarters Wichita, Kansas churches – although generally of the Congregations 107 Bakersfeld, California radar of most mainline Mennonite and BIC Headquarters Rosedale, Ohio Presiding Ofcer Steve Schroeder members – means that the U.S. Anabaptist Presiding Ofcer Bob Yoder population, as a whole, is slightly whiter and Source: MWC World Map Mennonite Church USA www.mwc-cmm.org/maps/world more rural, in percentage terms, than it was Accessed January 2015 30 years ago. Membership 103,245 Congregations 921 Headquarters Elkhart, Indiana Contemporary realities and arenas of Newton, Kansas witness Harrisonburg, Virginia 1. U.S. Anabaptists are a very small part Presiding Ofcer J. Richard Thomas of a very large country. The United States positions itself as a global superpower and its economic and military choices afect 1970 the USA has again received millions becoming increasingly rural and white. On the lives of people around the globe. U.S. of immigrants each decade, including the one hand, the growing edges of many Anabaptists are part of this superpower Mennonites from Asia, Africa and Latin Anabaptist bodies are congregations such complex. But they do not command as America. Some Anabaptist immigrants have as Casa del Dios Viviente BIC in Pompano much cultural attention as, for example, in brought their church conferences with them. Beach, Florida, or Hmong Mennonite Canada. Nor have they had much economic For example, the Sinode Jemaat Kristen Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Half of or political infuence as, for example, in Indonesia now has eight congregations on Mennonite Brethren churches nationwide Paraguay. Being a tiny minority in the the West Coast of the USA; the Honduras- have a clear Latino, Asian-American, heart of a latter-day empire has often left base Amor Viviente has churches in several Slavic or African-American character. Mennonites uneasy about their relationship Southern U.S. states. Similarly, when Calvary Community Church in Hampton, with the state. Mexican members of the Canada-based Virginia, with more than 2,200 mostly- For some, including Old Orders, the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church African-American members, is the largest major concern has been the state’s coercive (EMMC) immigrated to the USA, they congregation in Mennonite Church USA. powers of assimilation. They not only resist started EMMC churches here (now known patriotic display and military participation, as Active Mission Conference). The USA has also been a place in which spiritual renewal movements have spawned dozens of new Anabaptist church bodies. The Brethren in Christ emerged in the 1780s in Pennsylvania among Mennonites who warmed to Pietism and to a Wesleyan understanding of sanctifcation. In the mid- 1800s, the Old Order renewal movement emphasized the practices of humility and contentment, along with a communal approach to faith and a belief that church discipline strengthened rather than hindered an individual’s relationship with God. In the twentieth century, the Conservative Mennonite Conference found renewal as the mission-activism of American evangelicalism leavened CMC’s Amish heritage. Pentecostalism has been a source of spiritual empowerment for segments of the U.S. Anabaptist world, too. During World War I, many Mennonite and BIC Paradoxes of growth men were imprisoned for refusing, because of Today the U.S. Anabaptist world is their commitment to the gospel of peace, to simultaneously becoming more urbanized enlist in the military. Here, several Mennonites and ethnically and racial diverse and sing hymns while in prison. Photo courtesy of Mennonite Church USA Archives

12 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 but also (in most cases) public education and public health programs. For other Mennonites, the oversized role the USA plays in world afairs and its frequent military adventures abroad make them deeply uneasy and, for some, call forth regular public protest. Either way, the size of the Anabaptist community vis-à-vis the nation has often resulted in a defensive or prophetic stance on public matters rather than, say, seeking to partner with government agencies to advance an Anabaptist vision of the world. 2. Anabaptists in the USA live in the midst of material abundance. Regardless of how comfortable they feel wearing the label of U.S. citizens, many Mennonites and BIC are, generally speaking, well of fnancially. The abundance that characterizes most Mennonite lives expresses itself in positive In the early 1950s, women from the First ways through charitable giving to church investment funds and retirement homes. Mennonite Church in Blufton, Ohio, USA, and civic causes, Mennonite and otherwise. The work of these large, professionally- can meat for Mennonite Central Committee Indeed, studies of philanthropy tend to rank stafed institutions receives a good deal relief programs to distribute worldwide. Photo Mennonites as generous givers compared of coverage in the Mennonite press, but courtesy of Blufton University Archives with many other U.S. Christians. In addition it should not obscure the many, many to giving to global causes, acculturated ministries that operate with volunteers and Mennonites and BIC are also spending limited resources – and make a tremendous pluralistic society that shapes their worship more money on themselves, building or diference in the people they touch. For and witness. Many Anabaptist churches renovated church structures often at a example, hundreds of Mennonite and sing hymns and contemporary songs cost of a million dollars or more for a single BIC congregations host preschools and written by Protestant and Roman Catholic project. childcare centers, ministries run by women musicians. Meanwhile, the style and 3. Predictable legal and fnancial systems that beneft thousands of families each spirituality of the charismatic movement in the U.S. have allowed Anabaptists year but receive none of the attention that has favored worship in sizable numbers of here to create a host of institutions, from Mennonite colleges and universities do. congregations. Other congregations have mission agencies and retreat centers to 4. Anabaptists in the USA live in a adopted the ecumenical Revised Common Lectionary and the calendar of the Church Year to order their life together. Some Mennonite and BIC peacemakers work with Catholics and evangelicals to end the death penalty or support unwed mothers. Still others have joined with interfaith groups to address environmental concerns. 5. Anabaptists in the USA are connected to the world in many ways. Some links are through business or the work of Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Economic Development Associates or Christian Aid Ministries. Other connections come through travel, adoption, marriage or hosting international students. Some congregations have formed sister-church relationships with Mennonite or BIC congregations in other parts of the world. U.S. Anabaptists have much to learn from the world family of faith. May the next Assembly, Pennsylvania 2015, allow even more connections to form and fourish!

Steven M. Nolt is professor of history Overfow, a worship band comprised of at Goshen College (Goshen, Indiana, young adults from Latino/a Brethren in USA), and the co-author (with Canadian Christ congregations in and around Miami, Royden Loewen) of Seeking Places of Florida, perform at a 2014 church conference. Peace—North America, the ffth and fnal One third of all BIC in the USA speak entry in the Global Mennonite History series. Spanish. Photo by Will Teodori/BIC U.S. Communications

13 News Noticias Courier Correo Courrier March 2015 NouvellesPennsylvania 2015 News 6

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

Reflections Pennsylvania 2015 is happening in just a few months. Will we see you there? Join Anabaptist brothers and Reflexiónes sisters from around the world 21-26 July 2015 at the CourierFarm Show Complex Correo in Harrisburg, Courrier Pennsylvania, USA for the global Assembly of Mennonite World Conference. Réflexions MWC’s Assemblies are held every six years, rotating through the worlds continents. This is the frst time in 25 years that the Assembly has been located in North Mennonite Congreso Conférence America. Here are a few snapshots of what to expect. World Conference Mundial Menonita Mennonite Mondiale For more information, visit mwc-cmm.org/news6 A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas d’Eglises Anabaptistes

Friendship Groups & Workshops One of the advantages of participating in a global body of Jesus-followers is the opportunity – through morning Worship & Music Friendship Groups – to learn from Do you enjoy music? Then you’ll others who come from diferent be energized by the worship cultures, life experiences, and led by an international choir as faith expressions. Afternoon well as performances by music workshops ofered in several MWCgroups from around CMM the world. CMM Speakers & Theme languages on topics ranging And if the music during our What does it mean to “Walk with from gender issues in ministry worship services isn’t enough, God” with brothers and sisters and Anabaptist history to non- head down to the Global Church Infofrom around the world? Nzuzi violent communication and faith Village, where, every afternoon, MennoniteMukawa from the CongoCongreso (shown in politicsConférence will allow you to learn, gifted musicians and artists will Woin photo)rld Conference will be one Mundialof over aMenonita makeMennonite new friends, Mondiale and see Jesus A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté be sharing their talents in song, relateddozen Churches speakers sharingIglesias on Anabautistas the throughd’Eglises new Anabaptistes eyes. dance, storytelling, and more. Young Adults Assembly theme – “Walking with God” – from Kenya, Mexico, Photos clockwise from top: We believe that young people Canada, Indonesia, India, Ray Dirks, Ray Dirks, Lowell are not just the future of the Brown, Wilhelm Unger, Merle the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, church—they are the church now! Good Colombia and United States. So our Global Youth Summit (for Although the stage language those age 18+) will provide space will be English, be ready to hear Register Now for our young leaders to meet, mwc-cmm.org/pa2015 many languages and dialects share, and cultivate their gifts and both from the stage, in music, relationships. GYS will be held and in conversation. 17-19 July at Messiah College.

14 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015 News Noticias Courier Correo Courrier Nouvelles

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 Children & Youth Pennsylvania 2015 is not just for adults; bring the whole Reflexiónes family! Children (age 4-11) and Courieryouth (age 12-17) programming Correo Courrier includes joint times of worship Réflexions with the adults as well as special activities geared toward each age group. And as a fun bonus, youth groups can stay at Messiah Mennonite Congreso Conférence College and participate in late World Conference Mundial Menonita Mennonite Mondiale Registration A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communauté night games and activities. related Churches Iglesias Anabautistas Did you know that we already d’Eglises Anabaptistes have registrations from more than 70 countries for Pennsylvania 2015? Come experience a week with the global church … and consider creative possibilities like registration sharing! For informa- tion on other registration options such as part-time rates, go to www.mwc-cmm.org/news6. The website also has information on prices, lodging and shuttle op- tions, and travel or visa logistics.

Register Early If you need a visa to enter the US, Sports, Tours, Service it is important to register early. At Pennsylvania 2015, we won’t Early registration is not just for just worship together—we’ll also international participants because MWCplay together! Join CMM with other CMMrates will increase 21 June. football (soccer) players and fans from around the world in a global expression of teamwork and fun Info Have questions? How Can I Help? Assembly Scattered at MWC’s frst Anabaptist World Contact us! MennoniteThe North American Congresochurch Conférence Cup. And if football is not your Join our prayer network to Wowelcomesrld Conference you to seeMundial what God Menonita is Mennonite Mondiale sport, afternoon sessions will also pray for staf, volunteers, and A Community of Anabaptist Una Comunidad de Une Communautémwc-cmm.org/pa2015 relateddoing Churches among them! EitherIglesias Anabautistason your d’Eglises Anabaptistes include a variety of activities for those trying to get visas way to Assembly or on your way all ages including other sports, to travel to the US Mennonite World Conference home, you’ll have the opportunity PO Box 5364 service projects, tours, and Partner with other congre- to travel to exciting locations Lancaster, PA 17606-5364 learning opportunities. gations to provide in North America like Texas, [email protected] scholarships for low income 1-717-826-0909 Photos clockwise from top left: participants in North Alaska, or New York City to see Lowell Brown, Lowell Brown, Liesa American and worldchurches. for yourself how God is working Unger, Wilhelm Unger, Merle Good Beds are needed in private through churches, non-profts, homes for Assembly guests. and ordinary people like you. If you live in Central Penn- sylvania, please ofer your Register Now Go to: mwc-cmm.org/pa2015 home by applying at www. mwc-cmm.org/hostfamily mwc-cmm.org/news6 for quick links for more details on these stories

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April 2015 Volume 30, Number 2

News Briefs Pennsylvania 2015 Assembly Update Japanese Mennonites of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Creative tensions Abe, the statement outlines protest government’s the Christian peace position at the centre of pro-war proposal and urges the government to Assembly program reconsider its recent decision. Hokkaido, Japan/Elkhart, The government has not Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Indiana, USA – Reacting to a responded to the statement. USA – Mennonite World proposed change in Japan’s Earlier, in May 2013, fourteen Conference is putting “the ban against making war outside Mennonite and Brethren in creative tensions found in of its borders, Japanese Christ leaders in Japan issued a several important topics we Mennonites issued a statement call against this same proposed face daily” at the center of its reafrming its anti-war stance. constitutional change. program for the next Assembly, The protest issued in Within Christian and outside Pennsylvania 2015. September 2014 was in Christian circles, Hokkaido That’s according to Liesa response to the Japan Cabinet’s Mennonites are letting their Unger, international events decision in July to reinterpret convictions be known and coordinator for MWC. She adds, the country’s pacifst postwar encouraging others to do “As Christians, we tend to think 1947 constitution that limits the likewise. Yukari Kaga, pastor we should conquer or resolve use of force to defend Japan. of Obihiro Mennonite Church these struggles. [Instead, for The proposed change would and Peace Mission Center Assembly,] we’ve asked a pair allow the East Asian nation to board member, said that unlike of speakers each morning to take ofensive action outside of large denominations, the small explore how we live faithfully its borders to help defend allies conference is united in the within these tensions.” “in close relationship.” stance that “the peace of Jesus “Walking with God” is the A statement sent by the is foundational in our faith.” guiding theme for PA 2015, to Peace Mission Center of the As a result of the anti-war be held 21-26 July 2015. Nihon Menonaito Kirisuto controversy, young people Speakers will address thes Kyokai Kyogikai (Japan are also speaking out, taking subjects during morning Mennonite Christian Church a stand and becoming aware worship services: Conference), the conference of free-speech issues and the of Mennonite churches of free exchange of ideas. “For • “Walking in Doubt and Hokkaido, Japan, protests the school newspaper, they Conviction,” Wednesday, this governmental change. July 22 Addressed to the administration Continued on page ii • “Walking in Confict and Reconciliation,” Thursday, Read more about July 23 Pennsylvania 2015, • “Walking in Autonomy and the next Mennonite Community,” Friday, July 24 World Conference Assembly! • “Walking in Receiving and Giving,” Saturday, July 25 The next MWC Assembly will be held 21-26 July 2015 Confrmed speakers for the in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, mornings include Rebecca USA! Osiro (pastor from Kenya), Morning speakers at PA 2015 Tom Yoder Neufeld (professor will include Rebecca Osiro To learn more about the from Canada), Nancy Heisey (top), a pastor from Kenya, and Tom Yoder Neufeld (middle), a event and to read updates on (professor from the USA), Shant Kunjam (bishop from India) and professor from Canada. Among Assembly preparations, visit the young adult respondents is the MWC website at www. Hippolyto Tshimanga (mission director from Canada). Marc Pasqués of Spain/Australia mwc-cmm.org/article/pa- (bottom). 2015-articles “We’ve also invited young adult speakers from around Continued on page ii

i News Briefs Pennsylvania 2015 Assembly Update

Continued from page i while MCC and MMN are linked write about what they perceive to MWC through its Mission as odd, and their comments Commission – MCC through are read by the whole student the Commission’s Global body,” said Yasuko Momono, Anabaptist Service Network a high school teacher and and MNN through the Global newspaper advisor, who is a Mission Fellowship. member of Furano Nozomi Released in late 2014 on a Mennonite Church and a Peace U.S. holiday that honors military Mission Center board member. veterans, the six-week course The Japanese government’s focuses on biblical refections former stance emerges from and insights about trauma. its decision, after World War Evan Knappenberger, an II, to no longer initiate war Iraq War veteran studying at and to support only domestic Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA) and narrow military support Additional young adult speakers who will respond to morning operations. Some Japanese spent part of 2014 researching presentations at PA 2015 include Rodrigo Pedroza (left) of Mexico, and politicians and citizens want and writing as part of a Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle (right) of Ethiopia. the self-defense limits to be nontraditional course. lifted, for fear of aggression “I did a lot of coordinating Continued from page i from neighboring countries in with veterans in the Mennonite as a chance for give-and-take northeast Asia. world,” he said. “In almost every the world to be full members in a fairly intimate setting about little Mennonite community of our platform team at PA matters we care deeply about. – Adapted from a news release by We don’t want anyone going Mennonite Mission Network by Wil there is one or two, if not more. 2015,” comments Unger. “A LaViest There are a lot more in the young adult leader will give a home and saying they never Brethren in Christ church in response each morning to the talked with anybody except Pennsylvania.” presentation.” Confrmed are friends they knew before.” Curriculum creators see Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle (Ethiopia), Finally, each morning will the materials as a relatively Remilyn Mendez (Philippines), feature an international music new feld for North American Rodrigo Pedroza (Mexico) and group to lead all who gather in Mennonites – addressing how Marc Pasqués (Spain/Australia). rousing singing. Christian pacifsts can embrace Further explaining the Evening services, according returning warriors. decision to focus on “creative to Unger, “will include stories “There are a lot of potentially tensions,” Unger says, “God and witness, prayer, sharing good things that veterans has given us such a rich variety of gifts and encouragement.” can ofer churches,” said of experiences, cultures, and Worship planners are currently Knappenberger. “There are settings – and we want to learn in the fnal stages of putting good qualities of soldiers from our diferent lives while together the evening program. and veterans. Gandhi was a we’re together in July. So often The PA 2015 program also veteran; Tolstoy was a veteran. we only see a narrow wedge of includes programming for The people who teach us God’s Kingdom among us. Each children (ages 7-11) and youth (ages 12-17). Evan Knappenberger, one author nonviolence, many of them wore of us, in our particular settings, of the new curriculum that seeks a uniform.” is up against dilemmas that feel More details about all this to build bridges between peace threatening. So why not explore programming – from morning – Adapted from a Mennonite World sessions, to evening worship, churches and veterans. Photo Review news release by Tim Huber the Bible in the company and courtesy of Mennonite Central support of each other and to activities for children and Committee U.S. together commit to greater youth – can be found on the In Memoriam: Edward MWC website: mwc-cmm.org Sahani faithfulness?” Creating connections César García of Colombia, – Phyllis Pellman Good MWC general secretary, between American Dhamtari, India – Edward veterans and peace refected recently about the Resources about PA Sahani, a delegate to the idea of “walking with God”: “I churches Mennonite World Conference like the idea of understanding 2015 available on General Council for the past the Christian life as a way of MWC website Akron, Pennsylvania, six years, passed away 13 living that’s under construction, USA – Several North American December 2014 at the age a process that isn’t static or Bogotá, Colombia – As agencies have collaborated of 65. He represented the fnished. I really believe that excitement continues to grow to produce a new Sunday Mennonite Church in India our conversations at PA 2015 for the next global Assembly, school curriculum focused on Dhamtari. Sahani was a member will transform us because we’ll Pennsylvania 2015, Mennonite building bridges between peace of Sunderganj Mennonite be discovering together the World Conference has created churches and military veterans. Church. implications of following Christ a variety of free resources for “Returning Veterans, A medical doctor, he worked in our home communities.” congregations and communities Returning Hope: Seeking Peace in Dhamtari Christian Hospital In addition to these to use as they talk about and Together” was created by Dhamtari and Jagdishpur. He presentations and responses, promote PA 2015, all available Mennonite Central Committee, also served Shantipur Leprosy morning sessions at Assembly on the MWC website. the Peace and Justice Support Hospital (Leprosy Mission) will include international Church leaders can fnd a Network of Mennonite Church Shantipur and Leprosy Hospital Friendship Groups that meet downloadable Microsoft Word USA (MCUSA) and Mennonite Champa. In addition to his daily to discuss the topics. document with ready-made Mission Network (MNN). medical work, he was active According to Unger, these announcements to use in MCUSA is a Mennonite World in education leadership. He Friendship Groups are “a church bulletins. (These are only Conference member church, Continued on page iv fellowship experience, as well Continued on page iii ii Courier News April 2015 About Mennonite World Conference Pennsylvania 2015 Assembly Update

“Why are you an Ron Penner Continued from page ii MWC partners for pre- Anabaptist?” Member, MWC Executive Committee available in English at this time.) Assembly meetings Canada They come with suggested “I am an dates for when to publish them Members of the MWC Anabaptist Bogotá, Colombia – Mennonite community share their reasons and are an easy way to mention World Conference will partner because it MWC on a weekly basis. for embracing an Anabaptist is seeking with diferent agencies to host identity. If a visual is needed there is a several meetings, focused on to follow the colour poster for PA 2015 with teachings diferent topics of relevance to Rainer Burkart dates including Assembly Gath- the global church, prior to the and example ered, Assembly Scattered and Member, MWC Executive Committee of Jesus. next Assembly, Pennsylvania Germany the Global Youth Summit. This 2015. The Assembly will take Also it ties is available as a PDF fle, easy “I am an me in with place from 21-26 July 2015. to download and print. Organizers for each of these Anabaptist the global Anabaptist body of As a way to introduce MWC because I Christ.” meetings have agreed to a to congregations and friends, subtitle that ties the meeting hold to adult there is a 3.5 minute video baptism, the Danisa Ndlovu into the overall theme of the called, “Who is Mennonite Assembly, “Walking with God.” priesthood of President World Conference?” This video Zimbabwe The meetings include: all believers explains what it means to be a and the “I am an worldwide community of faith • MWC Health Care Leaders decision Anabaptist and is available in English, making of all Summit: Together on the because Spanish and French. Road of Health Care church members.” Scripture is foundational Sandra Baez for my faith Assistant to the General Secretary and conduct, Colombia and because “I’m an Christ is the Anabaptist model for my spiritual journey in because this life. it’s an adventure… Markus Rediger to go against Member, MWC Executive Committee the current.” Switzerland “I am glad to belong to Edgardo Sanchez the global Member, MWC Executive Committee Anabaptist Argentina family where “I am an we want to Anabaptist love our faith/ because I belief and have been proclaim forgiven and and promote God has peace. Our witness to the global called me Christian church is as relevant to proclaim as it was 500 years ago.” Jesus Christ.” This new poster for Pennsylvania 2015, useful for promoting the Assembly, is now available on the MWC website. Give a gift to MWC There are also resources for those who want to support PA • MWC Global Education 2015 in prayer. Brothers and Conference: Together on sisters from the global Anabap- the Road of Anabaptist tist family world-wide are in- Spirituality in Education vited to join the PA 2015 Prayer Network. There is information • MWC & MEDA Faith and posted online and people can Business Dialogue: To- sign up to receive monthly gether on the Road of Faith communications with scriptural and Business meditations, stories, information surrounding Pennsylvania 2015 • MWC & Historic Peace and items to pray about. Churches: Together on the All of these resources are Road of Shalom easily found on the “Resources” page in the Assembly section of Visit the MWC website (mwc- the MWC website: mwc-cmm. cmm.org/pa2015) for details. Calle org/pa2015resources Go to “Other Meetings” in the “About PA 2015” menu. – Kristina Toews

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Calle Prayers

• Mennonite World Conference Often in situations such urges its member churches to as these, it is the sense of pray for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a loneliness and lack of evident Nigeria (EYN, the Church of support from others that is most the Brethren in Nigeria), which discouraging. Let us bear these is experiencing horrendous burdens together. Let us assure violence and persecution from these brothers and sisters of the Boko Haram organization prayers and actions on their In a recent news release, behalf. Samuel Dali, the president of the EYN, warns of the possibility • Pray for the leaders and of “genocide” of Christians in members of an Indian northern Nigeria. He reports congregation under attack for that eight pastors and 3,038 its ministry with Dalits (lower EYN members have been killed, caste). The congregation, in The Ndirande Brethren in Christ church building, damaged by heavy 80 kidnapped and 96,000 the village of Kongalnagaram rainfall in January 2015. According to a report by Rev. Francis Kamoto, displaced. He also writes that, in the southern Tamil region of the building’s sanctuary was saved from destruction, though other parts of the structure were destroyed. “EYN is severely damaged by India, is part of Gilgal Mission the terrorists in many ways. Trust, a member church of only ofcial religion is Buddhism The whole Lardin Gabas, the Mennonite World Conference. • Pray for organizers of a and if caught sharing the historical center of EYN, has One Sunday, a group of higher national youth camp being gospel believers are arrested been almost destroyed. So, caste orthodox Hindus from the planned by Mennonite Church and imprisoned. One brother continue to pray so that the local community entered the Nigeria 10-13 September has been in prison for over two Lord can increase our faith and worship centre, started to attack 2015 in Eket, Akwa Ibom years. Pray for the material give the strength to bear the believers and ordered the pastor State. According to Psalmist needs of these believers and sufering. . . . The people they to stop the worship service. Ekpedeme Jackson, president of the national youth fellowship that God will call people to and camp coordinator, all youth follow Jesus in this place. (15-40 years) in all nationalities are invited to participate. The • Please pray for the people camp will include salvation of Malawi, who experienced messages, seminars on fooding and displacement peacemaking and peace as a result of several days of building, motivational talks, nonstop heavy rain in January career counselling, Bible study 2015. According to a report and human capital development by Rev. Francis Kamoto of the on small- and large-scale Brethren in Christ Church in businesses. Malawi, several houses were swept away by fooding, while • Pray for brothers and sisters others collapsed. Among the in Bhutan, where the door is damaged buildings was the closed for the gospel and they Ndirande Brethren in Christ cannot openly share about Church building (pictured). Jesus or build a church. The A displaced family in Nigeria, with Rebecca Dali who has been one of the Nigerian Brethren visiting the makeshift camps where people have News Briefs fed the violence in northeast Nigeria. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Dali, on the Church of Brethren website. Continued from page ii have killed are still uncounted The reason for the attack, chaired Mennonite Medical and not buried.” according to reports, is that Board and Mennonite Board of MWC encourages its those of higher caste object to Christian Education for almost members to become informed the Christian infuence, which ten years. He was also manager about what our brothers advises Dalits of their human of Mennonite English Senior and sisters in Nigeria are and moral rights. The higher Secondary School Dhamtari and experiencing. Member churches caste fears that they will face Mennonite Higher Secondary are also encouraged to send a labour shortage if Dalits get School Dhamtari. He is survived MWC a copy of correspondence further education and seek by his wife Anjana and an and connections made with other jobs. adopted daughter. EYN, so that MWC is aware of Local community leaders all possible initiatives. For more have formed a peace committee details, visit the MWC website to analyze the situation. “We at mwc-cmm.org hope to solve the issues with Edward Sahani peace,” wrote Paul Phineas, Courier/Correo/Courrier (ISSN 1041-4436) is published six times a year. Twice a year, the the president of Gilgal Mission newsletter is inserted into a 16-page magazine. Trust. “Please pray that the high Mennonite World Conference, Calle 28A No. 16- caste community (Gounders 41 Piso 2, Bogotá, Colombia. Publication Ofce: Courier News is available on request. Courier, 1251 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg VA and Naidus) should come [to Send all correspondence to: 22802-2434 USA. Periodical postage paid at peace talks] to compromise and Volume 30, Number 2 MWC, Calle 28A No. 16-41 Piso 2, Harrisonburg VA. Printed in USA. repent.” Bogotá, Colombia. POSTMASTER: Send address changes César García Publisher to Courier, 451B Pleasant Valley Road, Ron Rempel Chief Communications Ofcer Email: [email protected] Harrisonburg VA 22801. Editor Devin Manzullo-Thomas www.mwc-cmm.org iv Courier News April 2015

Why do we need a global communion?

“Walking with God” is the theme of our next global Assembly, to be held 21-26 July 2015. But how can we walk together if we do not believe exactly the same? That was the question that a leader raised some months ago while I was visiting his community. He believed that it is not possible to walk with those who think diferently than you. That seems to be the message that we hear replicated around the ;<=*>+4$'1.3'%(,*?/@+/,3 world, especially when we think about religious diferences. Even I would like to receive: in our Anabaptist history we have a long record of fragmentation and divisions emerging because of strong disagreements in our MWC Info doctrines and ethics. Is it possible – even desirable – to have A monthly email alert with links to articles communion in a global way when there is such diversity of cultures, on the MWC website. ethical decisions and theological understandings? o English I would say that in MWC we have discovered that diversity is not just possible but even o Spanish healthy. Such diversity is manifest when we share the same foundation that has been laid: o French Jesus Christ. Moreover, when I look at Scripture, I fnd at least three reasons why we need a global, Courier multicultural and very diverse community. Published bimonthly (every other month): First, Jesus. There are four gospels that speak about Jesus. Each of them refects the twice (April and October) as a 16-page experience of its author with Jesus Christ. These theological writings do not show Jesus in magazine and four times (February, June, August, December) as a four-page maga- exactly the same way. There is a lot of diversity among them. Why do we not have just one zine gospel? Why do we need four diferent points of view that give diferent understandings? From its very beginning, the church saw this diversity as something crucial, something that o English could help us to understand who Jesus is. The primitive church did not try to harmonize Spanish o the four gospels in order to give us a unique and uniform account about Jesus. We need o French diversity in order to know Jesus better. o Electronic Version (pdf) Second, ethics. The text about love that we fnd in 1 Corinthians 13 is in the context o Print Version of diversity and deep disagreements. Believers in that context, for example, difered as o Check here if you are currently receiv- to what they could eat or not eat. These same believers make diferent decisions regard ing the print version of Courier/Correo/ this ethical problem, decisions made possible because the Scripture itself does not give a Courrier and want to receive the electronic defnitive answer. In this context, the Apostle Paul urges love. From this example, it seems version instead. If you want to receive both that diversity and even disagreements are required in the body of Christ if we want to know the electronic and print versions, check both boxes above. the meaning of unity, love, forgiveness, patience and self-denial. It is easy to love others that think the same that you think, but are we able to do so with those that think diferently? Name ______Third, vision. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples found out the truth about Jesus’ resurrection only when they sat down and had dinner together – with Jesus at the ______center – in spite of their diferences. During the long walk from Jerusalem, they resisted the tendency of walking away from each other due to their divergent theological Address ______understandings of the Messiah. They did not fnd Jesus through the long hours of ______theological arguing. Their eyes were open only when they shared a meal. We gain a new vision of other followers of Christ – and about Christ himself – when we see people not ______as our opposites but as members of our family. With family, it is possible to sit and eat ______together in spite of our diferences. Why do we need a global community? This question is one of the topics that we address Email ______in this issue of Courier/Correo/Courrier. We need a global community and the diversity that it brings in order to know Jesus better; to grow in our experience of unity, forgiveness, love, Phone ______patience and self-denial; and open our eyes to new realities that can keep us close to each other. Complete this form and send to: Mennonite World Conference May God help us to walk together and love our very diverse, global church. I am looking 50 Kent Avenue, Suite 206 forward to living this idea in part during Pennsylvania 2015. Come join us, and let’s walk Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3R1 Canada with God!

César García, MWC general secretary, works out of the head ofce in Bogotá, Colombia.

16 Courier/Correo/Courrier April 2015