Solidarity in action: from fellowship to impact 

Highlights from YABs Fellowship Week 2026 

“So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from works, and I by my works will show you faith.”—James 2:17–18 

On the third week of June 2026, young Anabaptists came together online and in their local congregations to reflect on “Solidarity in action: from fellowship to impact,” this year’s chosen theme for Young Anabaptist (YABs) Fellowship Week.

From prayer time, sharing of testimonies, reflection time, commitment time, collaborative art projects to sharing food and playing games, young people took the time to discover that solidarity goes beyond being together and connecting. Young adults worldwide organized meetings in their local area. Additionally, the YABs Committee hosted two online gatherings.

“Solidarity is belonging to the same cause, encouraging each other, sharing joy and challenges, and moving into action together. It is about making our unity visible and transformative through impactful actions,” says Valentina Kunze (Uruguay). The YABs Committee chair and Latin America representative says this is the reason why the theme was chosen.

In the online gathering, young adults prayed for the triumphs and challenges faced by young people around the world; listened to testimonies from Napoleon Chance Bisi (DR Congo) from Mennonite Voice and Shifa Sidh (India) from Mennonite Church Rajnandgaon, India; and reflected on the meaning of solidarity.

“In our group discussion, we believe listening is important in solidarity,” says Liam Kachkar (Canada), YABs Committee representative for North America. “In listening, we also need to be willing to be vulnerable and build trust across differences. It is an ongoing process. Solidarity is not something seasonal.”

Valary Otieno (Kenya) says: “Solidarity is being vulnerable enough to share your life with others while being respectful, putting yourself in other people’s shoes and trying to understand what they’re going through. Only when this happens would solidarity actions become impactful through understanding.”

Faith Fernandez (Philippines) and Maagi Manyama (Tanzania) agree that solidarity is mutual support, encouraging one another continuously and engaging in collective action.

Aman Ganjboir, India, says that his group believe that solidarity encompasses sharing one another’s burdens through practical help, practicing hospitality and building relationships with humility.

Blessing Joy Turqueza (Philippines), YABs Committee representative for Asia, concluded the online meeting: “Let’s enjoy our connection, let’s celebrate what God is doing in each of our context, and let’s make our unity visible through action.”

Snapshots from YABs Fellowship Week around the world

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