In 2025, the global Anabaptist movement looks back over 500 years of existence. Mennonite World Conference invites all to a major event on Ascension Day,29 May 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland.
Even as we look back on a long past, the focus of the commemoration is on the current reality of the Anabaptist movement.
- Who are we today as a global communion?
- What is important to us?
- What are we committed to in this world?
When we look back over the 500-year history of our movement, we want to share what we are and what we have. Not just with other churches. Commitment – in this world – to peace, to reconciliation, to unity, in which we get a glimpse of Christ’s coming kingdom of peace: these are key elements of how Anabaptists understand discipleship today.
We have gathered these commitments under the theme “The courage to love”.
It takes courage to stand up for reconciliation in a society torn apart by polarization.
It takes courage to stand between the dividing lines, to listen and try to understand what motivates others.
It takes courage to focus on love rather than influence, power and control.
In a world where people loudly demand to take a stand and distinguish themselves from those with whom they don’t want to be identified, it takes courage to choose love. Love that is ready to lay down its life for enemies, just as Christ laid down his life for enemies.
Love goes beyond non-violence: it is a courageous commitment to live out God’s love in this world.
For example, brothers and sisters in Ethiopia who, in the midst of the violence of a civil war, make public the fact that they carry no weapons.
People seeking to follow Christ in the midst of conflicts in Myanmar or Ukraine, often entering the spaces between the lines as they search for pathways beyond violent confrontation.
What about us here today?
Where is our courageous action in love needed today?
How can we usefully interpose ourselves between the front lines? How can we bear witness to a God who gives of God’s self to reconcile the world?
—Jürg Bräker is general secretary of Conférence Mennonite Suisse, an MWC Executive Committee representative for Europe, and a member of the committee organizing the celebration.