MWC: One hundred years of communion
In circumstances remarkably similar to today’s, a group of Mennonites set out on a pilgrimage from South Russia (today’s Ukraine) to Zurich, Switzerland, in 1925. They carried a message from the All Russian Conference of Mennonites to present at the first global gathering of the Mennonite World Conference.
The delegation expressed these aspirations in their letter: “We welcome the idea of establishing a Mennonite World Union, whose unanimous expression should be a meeting of representatives of all Mennonites in the world.”
Creating a global, diverse Mennonite organization would enhance the church, especially among the dispersed smaller groups. It could facilitate funding for church-based schools, encourage mission activities, assist the needy and suffering, address migration challenges, and establish a global directory.
The letter brought an inspiring message of mutuality, of global solidarity, and of hope for unity in the midst of dramatic diversity.
Have times changed? Or do we still need to be reminded of the critical importance of unity given the diversity of our own experiences?
More than 2 500 years ago, another group began a pilgrimage from further East to Jerusalem, carrying a message to be shared among the communities of other Jewish exiled groups. We know this message today as Psalm 133, which begins:
“Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!”
(Psalm 133:1, CEB)
By singing this song every year, exiles discovered that “living together as one” is a gift from God, a tangible and attractive reality.
A gift from God
The passage discusses how the oil and dew descend. These images illustrate how the psalmist envisioned the togetherness of the Israelites: it is bestowed by God. True togetherness cannot be constructed or attained through human agreements on doctrines or practices; it is a divine gift.
An attractive reality
Togetherness is a blessing that attracts further blessings. It is a fulfilling life that extends outward – a fragrance that spreads, a dew that permeates. Just as a pleasant aroma draws attention, the togetherness of God’s people is something everyone longs to experience. When discovered, it becomes irresistible.
A tangible reality
The first word after the title of Psalm 133, the Hebrew word hinneh – meaning “look” or “behold” – holds great significance. By inviting us to “look,” the text suggests that the togetherness of God’s people is not merely a “spiritual” concept. Nor is it something we will experience only after death. The togetherness of God’s people is a tangible reality that can be seen and felt here and now.
For centuries, Christian theologians have seen in this psalm a foretaste of the New Testament concept of being one or communion, where togetherness is not understood as uniformity or unison, but harmony amidst diversity.
Like the Israelites in their exile, the Mennonite delegation in 1925 envisioned an organization that would embody oneness as a tangible reality. They yearned to be part of a body bigger than themselves, global in nature.
They envisioned an organization embodying this oneness.
And today?
We are living out what the delegation envisioned 100 years ago.
This hoped-for fellowship has taken the form of Mennonite World Conference (MWC).
We strive to embody communion.
We facilitate interdependent work in ministries of education, mission and peace.
We assist churches struggling under suffering and work on many other endeavours in the search for facilitating oneness.
As we celebrate this 100-year anniversary, let us remember that oneness is a gift from God. Let’s be drawn to it. Let’s make it tangible. Let’s pray that our oneness may offer hope to our churches in times of suffering and oppression, and to a world that disintegrates amid violence, nationalism, fragmentation and polarization.
César García, MWC general secretary, originally from Colombia, lives in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. This article is adapted from his 100th anniversary sermon delivered at Schönblick, Germany, on 25 May 2025.