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 Renewal event brought together members of the Integrated Mennonite Church of the Philippines (IMC), MWC’s Executive Committee and the Young AnaBaptists (YABs) Committee members.
Through worship, testimonies, cultural expression and prayer, participants witnessed to unity, resilience and mutual care across cultures and continents.
Bayanihan
A highlight of the opening ceremony was a symbolic procession featuring a traditional nipa hut (bahay kubo), representing the Filipino value of bayanihan. This cultural practice – where neighbours work together to move a home in times of need – served as a vivid metaphor for the gathering’s theme.
Rooted in unity, compassion (malasakit) and cooperation, Bayanihan captures a defining characteristic of an Anabaptist understanding of the gospel.
“God calls us to respond with solidarity and selfless action to the needs of others in our global church,” said César García, MWC general secretary. “In doing so, we experience Bayanihan in our family of faith and carry it into a world that longs for faithful love and enduring solidarity.
The program also celebrated the heritage of the Philippines through music and dance.
Several church districts presented traditional performances of dance and music, joining faith with local identity. Among the featured dances was Pandanggo sa Ilaw, a folk dance symbolizing light in darkness, inspired by Matthew 5:14–16. Other performances included the Cariñosa, reflecting themes of love and connectedness and harvest dances celebrating God’s provision through agriculture.
Solidarity in shared commitment
Testimonies and prayer formed a central component of the program.
“As I listened [to the stories of IMC pastors], I heard faith, perseverance and a deep trust in God,” said Blessing Joy Turqueza, Asia representative on the YABs Committee. “Even in hardship, they continue serving. Even in uncertainty, they continue trusting God to provide. And through it all, I have seen hope in the community of believers.”
Blessing Joy Turqueza emphasized that solidarity within the church is not rooted in perfection, but in shared commitment. “The church carries wounds and questions,” she said, “but we also carry something greater – faith, hope and the love of Christ. When we stand together as the family of Christ, supporting and encouraging one another, we begin to see God’s faithfulness.”
Sindah Ngulube, a Brethren in Christ bishop from Zimbabwe, spoke of solidarity after a devastating fire at a boys’ residential school. Remarkably, all the children escaped without harm. In the aftermath, the local church community mobilized quickly to provide care and begin rebuilding efforts.
Doug Klassen, executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada, asked for solidarity in discerning the Anabaptist commitment to peace amid discussions about military preparedness and potential conscription in Canada.
“Seventy years ago, many Mennonites claimed conscientious objector status, Doug Klassen said. “Today, we must ask ourselves what we would do. We need to learn from the witness of Mennonites in Colombia and Myanmar, who continue to embody peace in difficult contexts. The global church has much to teach us.”
IMC
Participants were formally welcomed by IMC President Eladio Mondez and Lumban Mayor Belen Raga, who both expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host an international gathering. The presence of global church leaders alongside local congregations highlighted the interconnected nature of the MWC family of churches.
The Renewal gathering is part of a multi-year series of events held in different regions around the world, each designed to celebrate the shared history and diverse expressions of Anabaptist faith. MWC’s Executive Committee members join local participants at a mass worship event where the hosts and the guests share gifts. In addition to worship and teaching, these gatherings provide space for storytelling, relationship-building and prayer for the global church.
The Mennonite presence in the Philippines began after World War II through relief, medical and reconstruction work led by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). In 1965, Missions Now, Inc. (MNI) was established as a Filipino-led mission organization focused on evangelism and church planting, particularly in rural and tribal communities. Following a period of internal transition, the Integrated Mennonite Church (IMC) was formed in 1991 and joined Mennonite World Conference in 1993, becoming part of the global Anabaptist family.
The offering collected at the service was designated for IMC’s Fair Share contribution to MWC.
The gathering concluded with shared meals and fellowship, and a renewed sense of solidarity.
“In worship, singing, prayer and cultural exchange we are reminded that the global church is called to bear one another’s burdens,” said John D. Roth, Renewal coordinator. “I have been especially inspired by the energy and commitment of the young people in the IMC to witness to God’s love in a fractured world. Their faith is a powerful sign of hope for the future of the church.”
