-
Not a program but a table
The Officers’ Column Solidarity comes from the Latin solidus — whole, firm, united. It is more than sympathy (“I feel sorry for you”) or empathy (“I understand how you feel”). Solidarity says, “I will stand with you.” It is the willingness to bear one another’s burdens. Our church has recently studied the text from Matthew…
-
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,”…
-
Participating in worship together
Dances at Renewal express culture and unity “Dance uses familiar movements to connect with God, engage community and express thanksgiving while expressing our cultural practices, especially in celebration occasions,” says Marcial Arenos from Binuangan Mennonite Christian Church, North Luzon District, Integrated Mennonite Church in the Philippines. “It’s an embodied expression of worship that involves collective…
-
Tenacious solidarity
“I am not a social activist” is the title of a book by Ronald Sider. By making Jesus the centre of our agenda, he demonstrates that issues of wealth, poverty, peace and nonviolence, and social action and politics are as spiritual as evangelism, family and marriage. Quoting Abraham Kuyper, he said that there is not…
-
Solidarity: What Will We Build Together?
If we want to be true followers of Christ, we have to follow his prayer that we live in unity, even if it is sometimes difficult and rough. Only then, out of solidarity, we can work for peace.
-
Solidarity in action
Solidarity is another word for the connection we exercise within the body of Christ. Unity expressed through actions reverberates beyond our efforts: we raise our voices and our finances in support; we stand together and lift each other up; we pay attention so that no one is left behind.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
