LANSDALE, Pa. — Anabaptist educators and leaders from 13 countries have formed a network. The group met before the Mennonite World Conference assembly in Pennsylvania.

Under the theme, “Like a Tree Planted: Anabaptist Spirituality in Education,” the Global Education Conference of MWC drew more than 100 participants July 16-19 at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School.

Restorative discipline, child safety, curriculum development, Anabaptist pedagogy and online learning were a few of the topics explored.

“Educational leaders influence the curriculum, faith and values that transform education in Anabaptist Mennonite schools,” said Mennonite Education Agency senior director Elaine Moyer.

“We look forward to student and faculty exchanges that will likely emerge from this network of leaders.”

Keynote speakers included Hippolyto Tshimanga, Mennonite Church Canada director of Africa, Europe and Latin America ministry; Paulus Widjaja, professor of theology at Duta Wacana Christianity University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; and John D. Roth, director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen (Ind.) College.

Due to challenges in obtaining visas, several participants were unable to attend. They were remembered throughout the conference with prayer and the visual reminder of an empty table and chairs.