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Fulfilling the law of Christ
Perspective — Bolivia In recent years we have been hearing of war and conflicts in many regions; armed conflicts have been escalating, provoking thousands of displacements, millions of poor and a sense of hopelessness and distress. It seems that we are experiencing the kind of signs Jesus described in Matthew 24 as signs of “the end of…
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Investing and exercising
Perspective — Canada Mennonite Church Canada has 205 congregations spread out across the vast land of Canada. Our eastern-most congregation and our western-most congregations are 5 300 kms apart. I first entered pastoral ministry in 1992 as a youth pastor. I loved the youth of my congregation. I loved their energy. I loved how sincerely they practiced their faith.…
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Reaching a hand to the neighbour
Perspective — Switzerland My local church in Switzerland is the fruit of a Mennonite church plant. When cars and tractors were still rare, Mennonites gathered in the rural hills all over the region, in farmhouses and meeting places that offered education, shelter and a simple chapel for communal worship. After some years, these communities stepped down…
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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…
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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,”…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
