Discovering Anabaptism in Solidarity

We invite you to share with your congregation the following story from Cheryl Woelk, Mennonite Church Canada Witness Worker in South Korea. It should take no more than 2 minutes to read aloud. You might also wish to include the story in your church newsletter. This story is part of Equipping #72 January 2007.

Discovering Anabaptism in Solidarity

Ten people from four countries crowd around the tiny table in the Korea Anabaptist Center library. A church history class form Torch Trinity seminary is visiting to learn more about Anabaptism. Already quite well-read in Anabaptist history, one student says he noticed the movement arose in a number of places at once. “There must be something to this,” he reflects.

Another student from Myanmar (Burma) speaks up. He shares the current struggle of the church in his country to find a response to extreme violence and injustice. “Is non-violence really possible?” Others respond in solidarity, agreeing that Christians in every country must proclaim the gospel of peace in the face of injustice, while also acknowledging their responsibility in armed conflicts around the world.

Affirming the early Anabaptists and the peace church response in times of oppression, one student asks “How much has changed: Has the contemporary Mennonite church compromised those impressive values?”

“Easy enough for the Mennonite Church to talk about peace from a place of comfort,” the Burmese student observes, “but what about us?”

Here is another challenge for the church to be involved, relevant, and open to listen to its members in difficult places and situations.