Who are the Mennonites?
Mennonites trace their roots to the 16th century Reformation in Europe. This was a time of great social, political and religious unrest. As the Reformation spread throughout Europe it had a variety of emphases. Most people are familiar with the Lutheran, Reformed and Anglican movements, but fewer are acquainted with the distinct beliefs and practices of the Anabaptist-Mennonite movement.
The name "Anabaptist" refers to believer's baptism (as opposed to infant baptism), a heresy to both the Catholics of the time and early Protestants.
As early Anabaptists met in private homes for Bible study and prayer, their vision of the Christian life took shape. They believed that Christians could be followers of Jesus in daily life. Their vision was based on the teaching of Jesus, especially the Sermon on the Mount and on the records of the apostolic church. They heard Christ call them to be a changed people, to be agents of love and peace rather than hatred, violence and war. Their vision included a sharing and caring church whose members were mutually committed to each other in Christ. They lived simply and shared economically.
There was a radicalism about the Anabaptists far too threatening for 16th century Europe. Over the next two generations, thousands of Anabaptist were tortured and martyred for their faith.
Just as Lutherans took their name from Martin Luther, our name stems from an early Dutch leader, Menno Simons.
After generations of persecution and numerous migrations, Mennonites became isolated in their life and witness, a pilgrim people caught between a dream and a tradition, scattered all over the earth, seeking a new day but fearing its light.
In 1690, some Alsace Anabaptists broke off from the Swiss Anabaptists to form what today are the Amish. You won't see black bonnets at the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Festival because the Amish haven't moved this far west. They're part of the MCC constituency back east, though.
While the Mennonite Church of today holds steadfastly to the principles of our founders, today's Mennonites encompass a spectrum of ethnicities and appearances. Faithful Christianity is about what's within and what's lived.
On any Sunday you will find Mennonites gathered for worship in more than 60 countries. With over one million members, today's Mennonites including a wide variety of people: from a Midwest farmer to an European architect; from an African chieftain to a South American sociologist; from a Vietnamese bicycle repairman to a Bolivian mother. Although they speak dozens of languages, Mennonites count themselves as one family of faith--one of many faith families in the Christian church.
Today's Mennonites in North America span a variety of lifestyles and religious practices, but hold common beliefs: Jesus Christ is central to worship and to everyday living. Behavior is to follow Christ's example. The Bible is the inspired word of God. Membership continues to be voluntary, with adult baptism upon declaration of faith.
Mennonites are known for their peace stand, taken because they believe Jesus Christ taught the way of peace. Mennonites choose not to participate in military service. Many take their belief further by objecting to government military expenditure.
Mennonites are known for their strong commitment to community, social justice and voluntary service to those who have experienced hardship and loss. Mennonite Central Committee, MCC, the cooperative relief and service agency of 25 Mennonite Church groups in North America, based in Akron, PA, was founded in 1920 in response to famine caused by war and revolution in Russia. We've been busy since.
The Oregon Mennonite Festival for World Relief is one of over 40 Mennonite Relief Sales held annually in the United States and Canada. Visit
http://mcc.org/reliefsales
to learn more.
Click Garrison for his Prairie Home Companion report from the Mennonite Relief Sale in Hutchinson, KS.
Look around the Festival. You'll see your neighbors, folks speaking other languages, women in conservative atrtire, youth in Trailblazers jerseys. It's all of our festival.
The Oregon Mennonite Festival for World Relief is your festival, too.
Want to learn more? Visit the links at the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference.
Just as Lutherans took their name from Martin Luther, our name stems from an early Dutch leader, Menno Simons.
While the Mennonite Church of today holds steadfastly to the principles of our founders, today's Mennonites encompass a spectrum of ethnicities and appearances. Faithful Christianity is about what's within and what's lived.
On any Sunday you will find Mennonites gathered for worship in more than 60 countries. With over one million members, today's Mennonites including a wide variety of people: from a Midwest farmer to an European architect; from an African chieftain to a South American sociologist; from a Vietnamese bicycle repairman to a Bolivian mother. Although they speak dozens of languages, Mennonites count themselves as one family of faith--one of many faith families in the Christian church.
Today's Mennonites in North America span a variety of lifestyles and religious practices, but hold common beliefs: Jesus Christ is central to worship and to everyday living. Behavior is to follow Christ's example. The Bible is the inspired word of God. Membership continues to be voluntary, with adult baptism upon declaration of faith.
Look around the Festival. You'll see your neighbors, folks speaking other languages, women in conservative atrtire, youth in Trailblazers jerseys. It's all of our festival.
