History
The Mennonites are a group of Christian denominations with origins in Europe during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation in western Europe. In the 1520s, in Zurich, Switzerland, a small group who had been meeting together for Bible study and prayer decided to form a church based upon their belief that adults should be baptized upon their confession of faith, hence the name “Anabaptist.” Renounced by other churches and the states across Europe for their refusal to baptize their infants, and to "take up the sword," thousands of early Anabaptists were persecuted and martyred for their beliefs. In Zurich, Switzerland, Michael Sattler articulated the seven articles of Anabaptist faith and practice in the Schleitheim Confession, dated February, 1527. In the Netherlands, Menno Simons encouraged believers to follow the authority and teachings of Jesus first rather than the authority and teachings of the state churches. This "Radical Reformation" was made possible by the printing press, the new technology of the day.
In 1536, a Catholic priest named Menno Simons joined the group of Anabaptists and became one of their leaders. Originally a nickname, the term “Mennonite” persisted as the name for this particular group of Anabaptists. Today, Mennonites number over two million and can be found in about 60 countries around the world.
God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Creator who seeks to restore fallen humanity by calling a people to be faithful in fellowship, worship, service and witness. As Mennonites, we take a strong stance on living and encouraging a life of peace and the promotion of nonviolent resolutions to conflict.
Mennonites believe that authentic theology must be lived theology, that beliefs and ethics must go together. We believe that we must share God’s love in word and deed, living out our faith by serving others and working toward peace.
Because God loves us, we respond with faithful living. We strive to be faithful in fellowship, worship, service, and witness.
Dirk Willems rescuing his pursuer
Dirk Willems, a 16th-century Anabaptist martyr, was imprisoned for his Anabaptist beliefs. He escaped, but when his pursuer broke through the ice, Willems turned around to rescue him. Willems was recaptured and later burned at the stake.
