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Carrying burdens through testimony and prayer
Global Mennonite gathering in the Philippines highlights solidarity, faith and shared witness Nearly 300 participants from more than a dozen countries gathered in the historic town plaza of Lumban on 14 March 2026, for the 9th annual Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Renewal event. Centred on the theme “Solidarity in the Family of Christ: Sharing Burdens, Sharing Hopes,” the gathering underscored the call to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2–10). The…
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Music as a unifying force
Perspectives — India What I have received from participating in the international ensemble I thank God for the gift of music in our life. I see it totally as grace of God that I could be the part of the Mennonite World Conference international ensemble for Assembly 2022 in Indonesia. I had dreamed of that since I attended Assembly in 2003 at Zimbabwe. Taking part in…
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Blending traditional rhythms with contemporary music
Perspectives — Zimbabwe The lingering effects of the MWC Assembly 2003 on music in Zimbabwean congregations My first real encounter with MWC was at the Assembly 2003, held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, here in Africa. This was indeed an amazing international and multi-cultural worship experience. The musical sounds of diverse cultures and traditions blended together in harmony, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. The worship experience sparked a passion for global worship music that continues to…
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Practicing hospitality through worship
Perspectives — North America Singing from the MWC songbook in Pennsylvania “All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.” Psalm 86:9 When we sing songs from Mennonite World Conference’s international songbook, we are practicing hospitality and belonging. Singing other cultures’ songs also connects us with the global church. Songs such…
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Entrusted with the task of bearing messages
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…
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Rhythms and melodies carry images of encounters
I have now participated in four global Assemblies of Mennonite World Conference. I am amazed at how our shared faith brings diversity to life in unity.
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Solidarity: What Will We Build Together?
The light of possibility before us is extraordinary: a world where people are healed enough to know their worth, and therefore capable of relationships marked by genuine intimacy, dignity and respect. A world where powerful technologies and global connections bridge divides rather than deepen them, becoming tools for mutual understanding and shared flourishing.
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Imagination
Binuangan Mennonite Christian Church in the Philippines celebrated Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday through singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Trust and Obey” and “God You’re Good.” Some of the songs were sung in the language-Ilokano. Ilokano serves as the common dialect used alongside local dialects such as Kankana-ey, Bugkalot, Ibaloi, Kalanguya,…
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A community act that shapes our identity
Perspectives — Paraguay Every week, during chapel on Campus IBA (Instituto Biblíco Asunción, Paraguay), we dedicate some time to worshipping our God through music. Since many different theological traditions, with varied cultural roots, converge at our Bible institute, one would think that these differences would carry more weight than they actually do. Even so, the choruses play an important role in strengthening our unity…
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Unity you can hear
Worshipping together, particularly singing together, is often cited as a highlight of Mennonite World Conference Assemblies. After all, there is nothing quite like singing in a gathering of several thousand people as siblings in Christ. Even when not everyone speaks the same language, music has a way of unifying that other experiences do not.
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A 500-year witness
As we celebrate our 500th anniversary, we remember that beginning with gratitude and humility through the theme Courage to Love, inspired by 1 John 4:7-21 and Psalm 136.
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A tangible source of support and testimony
The tasks of Commissions are to prepare issues or materials for consideration by the General Council, give guidance and propose resources to MWC or member churches and facilitate MWC-related networks or fellowships working together on matters of common interest and focus.
