 |
Mennonite Church
Description
Members of the Mennonite Church, who believe military service is inconsistent with the teachings of the Gospel and with Christian life, first immigrated to Canada from Pennsylvania during the American War of Independence, fleeing the pressures put on them by both sides to participate actively in the conflict. Though promised full religious toleration including exemption from military service after the war, Mennonites continued to flow into Ontario from the United States in search of cheap, arable land. Upper Canada’s Lieutenant Governor granted them exemption from military service as a measure to boost population in the sparsely settled province. This special privilege was maintained through the two World Wars of the 20th century. Further waves of immigration of Mennonites, mainly from Europe, occurred until the mid-20th century.
Members of the Mennonite Church are Anabaptists, adherents of a Protestant Reformation doctrine that began in 16th-century Switzerland. Anabaptist means “rebaptizer.” Anabaptists rejected the infant baptism practised by the Roman Catholic Church, believing that the sacrament should be reserved for adult believers. They practised rebaptism of adults who had been baptized in childhood. Anabaptism is a Christian belief members of the Mennonite Church share with the Mennonite Brethren, the Brethren in Christ, the Amish and the Hutterites. These Churches and others, such as the Society of Friends (Quakers), that profess pacifism and refuse military service are sometimes known as the Peace Churches.
Anabaptists believe that salvation is gained by faith and conversion through the Holy Spirit, not by sacraments or good works. They reject any doctrinal authority but the Bible and profess their faith through the Apostles’ Creed. The Mennonite beliefs are set out in Confessions of Faith. Although various Confessions have been published, they are true to their Anabaptist doctrinal roots: belief in the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; belief that infant baptism is not supported in the Bible; belief that the Bible requires separation of Church and state; belief that Christians should not bear the sword; and belief that the Lord’s Supper is symbolic of the suffering of Jesus Christ and should be taken in remembrance of Him.
The Mennonites are named for an early Anabaptist leader, Menno Simonsz, who converted in 1536. There are two main Mennonite Churches in Canada, the Mennonite Church Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
Bible, Old and New Testaments. Apostles’ Creed, sometimes called the Twelve Articles. Confession of Faith.
Signs of Faith
In the Mennonite faith, sacraments are called signs, meaning acts of God. These signs are the following:
Baptism, by pouring or sprinkling of water or by immersion. For those who confess their sins, repent, and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Performed publicly in the midst of the congregation. The Lord’s Supper, a sign representing Jesus’ covenant in delivering humanity from sin. Sometimes called Communion or Eucharist. A celebration commemorating the Last Supper of Christ and His disciples. Foot washing of one another as a sign of humility and service, as Jesus did for His disciples (no longer common).
Moral Code
The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ are the foundation of the moral code. Mennonites believe that good stewardship of what God has given is a moral obligation. Mennonites believe that peace is the will of God. They refuse to bear arms against others and refuse compulsory military service, except in noncombatant roles if no other option is available. The Church has a strong tradition in Canada and elsewhere of providing civilian alternative service in time of war.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship vary in architectural style from early Canadian wood structures to modern design. Early Canadian houses of worship were meeting houses: simple, rectangular wood structures just large enough for the congregation. Interior layout is similar to that of many western Christian churches and consists of a nave or hall in which the faithful gather for services; a narthex or entrance vestibule; and a chancel occupied by the Communion table, clergy and choirs. A structure’s size reflects the size of the congregation.
Devotional Practices and Services
Sunday services include sermons, scriptural readings, hymns (either a capella or accompanied by music) and, frequently, the Lord’s Supper. Services end with a benediction. Sunday School is usually held concurrently for children. Services on religious holidays include special scriptural readings and hymns.
Clergy, Organization and Government
The Church ordains pastors and deacons. Ordination occurs after formal training and at the call of congregations and concurrence of the Church. Elders in the congregation hold positions of administrative or teaching responsibility. Congregations are grouped in Conferences. The Mennonite Church Canada is organized in a hierarchical structure of representative leadership. Congregations name representatives to a delegate assembly, which in turn elects a moderator and 17 other leaders and managers, including six moderators of area Conferences. The Conferences are Eastern Canada, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.
Propagation of the Faith
Mennonites believe in sharing their faith with others. Their churches are open to anyone who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and wants to live as Jesus taught. Under coordination of the Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite missions are active throughout the world.
Major Celebrations and Observances
Dates on which events are celebrated may vary from year to year according to variations in the liturgical calendar.
Days of Regular Observance
Every Sunday (day of rest and worship). Season of Advent (four weeks of preparation for Christmas). Christmas Day: 25 December. Holy Thursday (special celebration of the Last Supper). Good Friday. Easter.
Special Observances
Season of Lent, leading up to Easter. Peace Sunday: Sunday closest to Remembrance Day, 11 November.
Dress Requirements
Dietary Requirements
Medical and Health Requirements
No published statements by the Mennonite Church Canada on health issues of common social concern. Mennonites’ views on abortion, euthanasia and organ transplants vary, and individual consultation with pastors and counsellors may be appropriate. The Mennonite Brethren Church has stated its opposition to abortion and euthanasia. The Mennonite Brethren Church has stated that the only legitimate sexual relationships are those of heterosexual men and women within the bonds of marriage. The Conference of Mennonites in Canada has urged further dialogue on this issue.
Death and Burial
As Christians, Mennonites believe in the resurrection of the body and everlasting life in heaven. Funeral and burial customs, including memorial services in church and graveside services led by pastors, generally reflect these Christian beliefs. The seriously ill and their families may wish to be visited by a pastor.
Other
Mennonites see Church discipline as vital to the well-being of the Church. Errant members who refuse to repent and who reject the admonition of the congregation may be expelled. Mennonites will not swear oaths on the Bible in legal or judicial proceedings, believing this to be against the teachings of Jesus, but they will make solemn affirmations.
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.mennonitecc.ca/ - website of the Mennonite Central Committee.
http://www.gameo.org/ - Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO).
http://www.mbconf.ca/ - website of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
3-169 Riverton Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2L 2E5
Phone: (204) 669-6575
http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/index.htm - website of the Mennonite Church Canada.
Mennonite Church Canada
600 Shaftsbury Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M4
Phone: (204) 888-6781
Resource Centre: toll free at 1-800-665-1954
|
