<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCreating a global, diverse Mennonite organization would enhance the church, especially among the dispersed smaller groups. It could facilitate funding for church-based schools, encourage mission activities, assist the needy and suffering, address migration challenges, and establish a global directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The letter brought an inspiring message of mutuality, of global solidarity, and of hope for unity in the midst of dramatic diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have times changed? Or do we still need to be reminded of the critical importance of unity given the diversity of our own experiences?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than 2 500 years ago, another group began a pilgrimage from further East to Jerusalem, carrying a message to be shared among the communities of other Jewish exiled groups. We know this message today as Psalm 133, which begins:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLook at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!\u201d <\/em>
(Psalm 133:1, CEB)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nBy singing this song every year, exiles discovered that \u201cliving together as one<\/em><\/strong>\u201d <\/em>is a gift from God, a tangible and attractive reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA gift from God<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The passage discusses how the oil and dew descend<\/em>. These images illustrate how the psalmist envisioned the togetherness<\/em> of the Israelites: it is bestowed by God. True togetherness<\/em> cannot be constructed or attained through human agreements on doctrines or practices; it is a divine gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn attractive reality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Togetherness<\/em> is a blessing that attracts further blessings. It is a fulfilling life that extends outward \u2013 a fragrance that spreads, a dew that permeates. Just as a pleasant aroma draws attention, the togetherness<\/em> of God\u2019s people is something everyone longs to experience. When discovered, it becomes irresistible.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA tangible reality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first word after the title of Psalm 133, the Hebrew word hinneh<\/em> \u2013 meaning \u201clook\u201d or \u201cbehold\u201d \u2013 holds great significance. By inviting us to \u201clook,\u201d the text suggests that the togetherness<\/em> of God\u2019s people is not merely a \u201cspiritual\u201d concept. Nor is it something we will experience only after death. The togetherness<\/em> of God\u2019s people is a tangible reality<\/em> that can be seen and felt here and now.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor centuries, Christian theologians have seen in this psalm a foretaste of the New Testament concept of being one<\/em> or communion<\/em>, where togetherness<\/em> is not understood as uniformity or unison, but harmony amidst diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLike the Israelites in their exile, the Mennonite delegation in 1925 envisioned an organization that would embody oneness<\/em> as a tangible reality. They yearned to be part of a body bigger than themselves, global in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey envisioned an organization embodying this oneness<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd today? <\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe are living out what the delegation envisioned 100 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This hoped-for fellowship has taken the form of Mennonite World Conference (MWC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We strive to embody communion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We facilitate interdependent work in ministries of education, mission and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We assist churches struggling under suffering and work on many other endeavours in the search for facilitating oneness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we celebrate this 100-year anniversary, let us remember that oneness<\/em> is a gift from God. Let\u2019s be drawn to it. Let\u2019s make it tangible. Let\u2019s pray that our oneness<\/em> may offer hope to our churches in times of suffering and oppression, and to a world that disintegrates amid violence, nationalism, fragmentation and polarization.<\/p>\n\n\n\nC\u00e9sar Garc\u00eda, MWC general secretary, originally from Colombia, lives in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. This article is adapted from his 100th anniversary sermon delivered at Sch\u00f6nblick, Germany, on 25 May 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n