Mennonite

Mennonite is a Christian group that originated from the Anabaptists, a radical reform movement of the 16th-century Reformation. It is named for Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who consolidated and institutionalized the work initiated by moderate Anabaptist leaders. Mennonites are committed to nonviolence, nonresistance, and pacifism.

Mennonite congregations worldwide embody the full scope of Anabaptist practice, from "plain people" to those who are indistinguishable in dress and appearance from the general population. Mennonites can be found in communities in 87 countries on six continents.

History

The Mennonites derive their name from Menno Simons, a former Catholic priest from the Friesland region of the Low Countries who converted to Anabaptism in 1536. He was a contemporary of the Protestant Reformers, but he was never a part of that movement. Simons was a man of simple, practical mind, with an earnest piety and an incredible talent for organizing.

Beliefs and Practices

Mennonites hold a number of beliefs that set them apart from other Christian denominations. Some of these are:

• Pacifism: Mennonites believe in peace and nonviolence. They are conscientious objectors, refusing to participate in military service.
• Baptism: Mennonites practice adult baptism, in contrast to the infant baptism practiced by many other Christian denominations.
• Communion: Mennonites observe communion as a memorial of Christ's death, and it is open to all believers, not just members of the Mennonite church.
• Church Discipline: Mennonites practice church discipline, including shunning and excommunication for members who violate the church's moral code.

Mennonites Today

Today, there are over 1.3 million Mennonites in 87 countries around the world. The largest populations of Mennonites are in the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia.

See Also

• Anabaptist
• Amish
• Hutterites
• Brethren in Christ

References

Mennonite Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia