Editorial: What Does it Mean to be a Mennonite?

As Mennonites, we trace our spiritual legacy back to the 1500s, to a time just after the Protestant Reformation that brought change to the church, but not as much as some believed necessary. The earliest Anabaptist leaders, among them Menno Simons, fought for a greater focus on the teachings and ministry of Christ, including peace and peacemaking, believers’ baptism, the priesthood of all believers, and a simple lifestyle that emphasized care for others. Their beliefs and the practices that followed led to persecution, with Mennonites eventually scattering around the globe.⁠

Today, these beliefs continue to define and shape Mennonites around the world.⁠ Yet because Mennonites were isolated for centuries, they developed a distinct language, signature foods and a shared story, all common markers of culture. This has created confusion as those of “Mennonite” faith are of many cultures and those of Mennonite culture may or may not be of Mennonite faith.

Last week in Canada, September 12-16, was Mennonite Heritage Week. While some of us are cultural Mennonites and are proud of that – appreciating the food, community, music and more - the reality is that "Mennonite" is more than a culture or ethnic group. Mennonites are ethnically and culturally diverse and can be found around the world, and we have a heritage - a legacy of faith - that unites us.

In this issue of Growing Together, we explore what it means to be Mennonite by faith. Ultimately, we are defined as children of God, believers in Christ, and our Mennonite faith informs how we live this out. Ward Parkinson, the pastor at Rosenort EMC, writes about his introduction to the Mennonite world in his 20s. For Ward, “the label of Mennonite was secondary, a historical footnote at best. It wasn’t long before that all began to change.”

We will also hear from EMCers who have lived and worked in cultures around the world where “Mennonite” does not immediately bring to mind food or music like it does for so many in Canada. In the 1970s, being Mennonite was significant in Nicaragua as they wrestled to find a peacemaking, non-violent role in their civil war. In Austria the label of “Mennonite” doesn’t mean much, but the impact of Mennonite missionaries is seen through the churches they planted. Meserete Kristos Church – literally “Jesus is our foundation” – embodies Mennonite beliefs and teachings in Ethiopia.

Our Mennonite heritage of faith is a rich legacy, and one we want to remember. As you read and reflect, we would love to hear from you – what does it mean to you, in your life, to be Mennonite?

Ruth Block
Guest Editor, Growing Together

P.S. And if you’re interested in learning more about Mennonite culture, here’s a few tutorials to making some more popular Mennonite dishes, courtesy of Jasmine Wiebe, New Life Christian Fellowship.

Wareneki: https://youtu.be/u6Hdjey9nH4
Summa Borscht: https://youtu.be/6mFhxnvsE_w
Rollkuchen: https://youtu.be/PCFK8Ps2awM