As we remember 500 years of Anabap­tism and look around at our world, I be­lieve we have been shaped for this mo­ment. In Ukraine, war rages. U.S. tax dol­lars fund the genocide in Gaza. At home, people are ripped from work trucks and sent to internment camps without due process. Political assassinations, calls for violence and othering of minorities are all too common. 

Anabaptists are no strangers to troubled times. Mennonite Central Committee began in response to humanitarian disaster. World War II conscientious objectors pro­-
tested the physical violence of the war while actively reforming mental health institutions. For decades, Anabaptist out­reach organizations have plied peaceful strategies across the globe. Today’s con­flicts may seem new, but our time-tested conflict-resolution skills are needed. We need to facilitate peace while speaking truth to power. 

Five hundred years ago, Anabaptists faced persecution for not being the “right” Christian group. Today, Christian nation­alism is on the rise. Commentators, aim­-
ing to establish the United States as a Christian nation, falsely claim that Christians are oppressed. History’s repeating itself. It may start by demonizing the other Abrahamic religions, but it will lead to a “right Christian group.” Many of our ancestors fled religious persecution. Will we allow state religion to sweep through the church again without resistance? Will we have to flee again? I propose we celebrate our 500th year by acting on our faith. We already have a structure for resistance through Mennonite Action. Let’s use our gifts to act against all violence and bring Christianity back toward Christ.

Steffen Sommers, Hesston, Kan.