Courier 2026 / 41.1

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A messenger

Courier: “A messenger … entrusted with the task of bearing messages.”
That’s how MWC General Secretary Paul N. Kraybill introduced MWC’s
new magazine in its first issue in 1986.

“The 1984 Mennonite World Conference Assembly at Strasbourg
echoed a cry heard often before and since. We don’t know enough
about each other. We are a worldwide community, but our knowledge
is local and limited. In spite of our presses, publishers and publications,
there is no international messenger!” he wrote.

And so: “Mennonite World Conference is pleased to introduce Courier, a new publication.

“Courier is designed specifically to be a messenger carrying messages to and from every
part of the Mennonite world community.

“We welcome responses, comments, suggestions, criticisms and contributions-to the end
that this will truly be a ‘courier’ bearing messages to and from every part of the world.”

Between then and 2026, the magazine has seen changes and will continue to! But our aim
continues to be a place for the global family to get know each other.

And we continue to want to hear from you: how is Courier teaching, inspiring and helping
you to understand the Anabaptist family?

In this issue, we look at the role music has played in MWC Assemblies as a tangible
symbol of unity in diversity. Benjamin Bergey explores the history of music in global
Assemblies throughout the year. Music leaders from around the world examine how singing songs – especially those from other cultural traditions – enriches their worship by bringing the global church into their every-day worship.

As we see disunity and disagreement around us, including in the church, may the
messenger of music help to teach us the grace to embrace diversity.

Karla Braun is editor of Courier and writer for Mennonite World Conference. She lives in
Winnipeg, Canada.