“Attending an Assembly is a wonderful experience. There’s an opportunity to see another part of the world, and to meet so many people. We learn new ways of working together; we adjust for things we hadn’t planned for; and most importantly, we build relationships,” says César García, MWC general secretary.
When the leaders of Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) told Mennonite World Conference they would not be able to host the Assembly in 2028, there was no question about stopping the plans for Ethiopia. “Hosting an Assembly is meant to be a blessing for the church,” says César García. “If the task is a burden, then we need to make another plan.”
“MKC states clearly that if [some MWC members allow congregations to affirm same-sex relationships], the Meserete Kristos Church will not be able to host the 2028 Assembly in Ethiopia. This decision is grounded in theological convictions and faithfulness to Scripture and should not be interpreted as an act of rejection, condemnation, or hatred toward any individual or church. Rather, it is a step taken to uphold MKC’s understanding of biblical teaching on marriage while maintaining integrity in its participation in global Anabaptist fellowship…,” says Desalegn Abebe, MKC president.
“We continue to cherish fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect with all Anabaptist partners who share a commitment to Christ and his teachings. MKC’s prayer and hope is that, even in the midst of these challenging discernments, the broader Anabaptist community may remain united in love, truth and shared mission, and that all decisions will reflect integrity, faithfulness& and compassion.”
“MKC is a valued, contributing member of Mennonite World Conference,” says César García.
“We respect the discernment processes each of our member churches have undergone to arrive at the theological positions they hold. The core principles all MWC members agree to are our Shared Convictions, which were discerned together and approved by consensus at the General Council in 2006.”
The largest national member church in MWC has contributed significantly to MWC leadership. The first president of MWC who came from outside the original members in North America and Europe was from MKC (1973-1978). Subsequently, a vice president was a member of MKC in Ethiopia (1997-2003).
There has been continuous representation from MKC on the Commissions, including the chair of the Peace Commission (2009-2012), members on Faith & Life, Deacons, in the GASN and GAHEN network steering committees, and secretary of the Deacons (2022 to present).
The issues that threaten to divide may change, but “Each new generation needs to face the question: are we going to be together despite difference?” says César García.
“Our call to unity is not about keeping an institution functioning; it’s a call from the gospel to live out unity as a demonstration of the body of Christ,” says César García. “We are nothing if we maintain institutional unity, but churches cannot speak together.”
“Exactly because relationships are so important, the Executive Committee has decided to seek another location to host Assembly in 2028,” says Henk Stenvers, MWC president. “Relationships are built as we spend time together, not just in meetings (which can be held over Zoom), but also over shared meals, as we worship together, share communion, pray, sing each other’s songs, journey together in buses or taxis, serve side by side in food preparation or painting a school. We need Assembly to practice living out unity together.”
“We invite our member churches – especially those in Africa – to consider this opportunity to serve as host for the global family gathered,” says Liesa Unger, chief international events officer. “We will consider hosting proposals over the next months and hopefully, in 2026, announce a new time and location.