On 21 January 1525, a small group of believers in Zurich, Switzerland, gathered in secret, driven by a conviction rooted in Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They longed for a church that was faithful to the way of Jesus, a community where baptism marked a personal, conscious decision to follow Christ. This act of courage, defying tradition and risking persecution, marked the birth of the Anabaptist Mennonite movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 John 4:7-21 calls us to love one another, for \u201clove comes from God.\u201d This is the centre of our identity: we love because God first loved us in Christ. The first Anabaptists\u2019 courage to act on their faith was a response to God\u2019s perfect love, which \u201ccasts out fear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, the psalmist repeatedly sings, \u201cGod\u2019s steadfast love endures forever\u201d (Psalm 136). This refrain reminds us that God\u2019s love has carried our church through persecution, suffering and renewal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Mennonite World Conference carries this legacy forward. As we honour1525, we are reminded that our movement began not with an argument but with an act of love. The first Anabaptists risked everything. Their love is not timid but is enduring and active. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us embody such an act \u2013 the courage to love. The courage to forgive when wronged. The courage to resist violence with peace. And the courage to follow Jesus even when the way is costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunoko Lin is MWC treasurer. Originally from Indonesia, he now lives in Los Angeles, California, USA, where he pastors Maranatha Christian Fellowship, a congregation of LMC: A Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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