Editorial Policy

Anabaptist World Inc. is an independent journalistic ministry serving the global Anabaptist movement. We seek to inform, inspire and provide a forum where Mennonites and anyone interested in Anabaptism can explore faith and culture.

Editorial Policies

  • Barring special circumstances, contributors other than regular columnists will be published no more than once every six months in the magazine.
  • We seek to provide coverage that represents diverse voices. 
  • While our focus is on providing spaces for Anabaptist and Mennonite voices, we reserve the right to publish contributions from other writers whom Anabaptist World’s editorial staff believe are relevant to readers.
  • We reserve the right to approach individuals named or critiqued in articles or opinion pieces to ask for a comment or response.
  • Any article or submission that editors deem to be obscene, libelous, defamatory (racist, sexist, etc.) or hateful toward an individual or group will not be approved.
  • The Editor and Executive Director are responsible for making the final decisions about what to publish.
  • In the event published content leads to significant conflict among readers, the Executive Director may seek the counsel of Anabaptist World Inc.’s Board of Directors.
  • In the event a request to unpublish content is made, staff shall exercise due diligence in addressing the situation – such as adding an editor’s note or addendum to the original article. Only as a last resort will an article or other content be removed after being published. Anabaptist World Inc. is committed to the integrity of its archive.

Submissions Process

When we receive a submission, staff will assess:

  • Is the piece saying something unique or new that is of interest? Is this representing a perspective or demographic that is overrepresented in our publication?
  • Is the piece relevant to our audience?
  • How recently has this author been published on the website or in the magazine? Does this article build on verifiable evidence and data? Does it make unfounded allegations?
  • Do we need to recruit another perspective or voice to run alongside or be held in conversation with this piece?
  • Is the author connected to the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith tradition? If not, do they offer an “outside perspective” that is valuable to our audience and in line with our stated mission and goals?
  • If offering a critique, does the article focus on others’ ideas and not their motives, character or faith? Is it responding to factual or written information?
  • Is the content edifying and important to our audience? In this context, note that edify means “to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually…” This does not mean that pieces will not be controversial, but the content should provide some sort of important moral or spiritual instruction or insight.
  • Is the content consistent with Anabaptist World Inc.’s core values?