An ensemble from the United States, Germany, Colombia and Indonesia led the congregation in singing praise to God for doing “marvelous things” to open a celebration of 100 years of Mennonite World Conference on May 25 in Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Germany. 

The event was part of the triennial meeting of the MWC General Council, which preceded the celebration of 500 years of Anabaptism in Zurich, Switz­erland on May 29.

One of the marvelous things is that 110 national churches agree to walk together through MWC.

César García, MWC general secretary, preached from Psalm 133.

“Living together as one is a gift from God, a tangible and attractive reality,” he said, like “a pleasant aroma draws attention” and “that can be seen and felt here and now.”

Challenges in 2025 are remarkably similar to those of 1925, historian John D. Roth said: a recent pandemic, political polarization and rising nationalism.

“There were approximately 250,000 baptized Mennonites in the world: 98% of them lived in Europe and North America,” he said. “Today the Anabaptist family includes 2.13 million members in more than 80 countries.”

Today, as at the first MWC assembly in Basel, Switzerland, in 1925, some church leaders were unable to be present due to visa problems. 

“We continue to face many challenges,” Roth said. “And yet, 500 years after our beginnings in Zurich, MWC continues to keep alive a vision of believers committed to following Jesus, living out Christ’s call to unity and seeking peace within our families, our congregations, our communities, our countries.”

Young AnaBaptists mentor Ebenezer Mondez interviewed leaders from MWC’s past and present. 

“MWC has been the best place to see and participate in movements transforming and extending the church and to find friendships,” said Larry Miller, former general secretary. 

Taking the role then called executive secretary “saved my life,” he said. Rather than writing books few would read as a theology professor, he spent his energy on the global church as MWC grew:

• from Northern-dominated to Global South-inspired;
• from a focus on local congregations to an awareness of the global church;
• from a meeting every six years to life together as a global communion;
• from nursing wounds of martyrdom to healing wounds of division.

For Amos Chin of Myanmar, a country that has suffered under military dictatorship for decades, MWC connected him with role models who inspired him to walk the way of peace.

The leader of Bible Missionary Church, Mennonite, Chin said MWC leaders challenged him to discipleship and service that move from theory to action on subjects like climate justice. 

“Unity in Christ does not erase differences but transforms them into opportunities for mutual learning and love,” he said. 

Young AnaBaptists leader Valetina Kunze of Uruguay said MWC taught her humility and widened her perspective as she has seen how “my own way is not only way; how other cultures have other qualities of Jesus.”

Rebecca Osiro of Kenya said MWC not only “expanded my courage to love but implanted courage to serve.” Coming from a church “where women were not seen,” she found opportunities to lead among women theologians, in a multi­denominational dialogue group and as MWC vice president. MWC taught her that “each one has something, and we come together and share,” she said. 

Timo Doetsch of Germany spoke of lessons learned and hopes held. Through MWC, he has learned about mutuality and the hope that “our little gift of peace can shape world Christianity and beyond.”