April 15thAnabaptism at 500
On January 21, 1525, a small group of Christians met in Zurich, Switzerland, to discuss the reforms which were happening within the church. They were convinced that reform was not happening quickly enough. Because of this, one of their number, George Blaurock, asked another, Conrad Grebel, to baptize him—in violation of the laws of their day, which required infant baptism. The whole group was baptized that evening.
This event was pivotal in the movement that became known as Anabaptism. And so, in 2025 Anabaptists throughout the world have been celebrating 500 years of a distinctive faith and way of life.
“That’s five hundred years of faithfulness, with more than our share of failings thrown in,” says Mennonite Church Manitoba Executive Minister Michael Pahl. “While we can lament our missteps—at times, being too insular, at other times, too ready to collaborate with the powers that be—we have story after story of faithful witness to Jesus and his way of peace.”
This “Anabaptism at 500” featured prominently at MCM’s recent annual Gathering. The Friday evening worship service included congregational singing of Mennonite favourites old and new, along with prayers of lament and thanksgiving for historical Anabaptist failings and faithfulness. Michael shared on Jesus-centred Christianity, a distinctive focus of Anabaptism. On the Saturday, John D. Roth, director for MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 project, gave the plenary address, choosing to focus on the theme suggested by Mennonite World Conference for the 500th anniversary: “Courage to Love.”
MCM churches have also marked the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in different ways. Many congregations have planned a worship series on the anniversary, often following resources produced by MennoMedia or Mennonite World Conference. Several Winnipeg churches joined together for an Anabaptist Hymn Sing in January. Glenlea Mennonite Church is planning to combine celebrations of Anabaptism at 500 along with its own 100th anniversary as a church.
Mennonite World Conference is holding a special commemoration on Ascension Day this May to mark the anniversary. Hundreds from around the world are expected to descend on Zurich, where Anabaptism first grew its roots, for workshops, musical performances, a walking tour, a worship service, and more.
“I encourage members of our MCM congregations to take some time this year to learn more about Anabaptism, its history, and its current expression around the world,” says Michael. “Our distinctive brand of Jesus-centred faith, nurtured in our community life and characterized by following Jesus in his way of peace, is a pearl of great price among all the jewels of the wider church.”
Let’s praise God for 500 years of faithful Anabaptist witness around the world! View the 2025 MCM Gathering worship service here. Find info on MennoMedia’s Anabaptism at 500 initiative here, and on Mennonite World Conference’s special commemoration here. To contribute financially to support the continued growth of Anabaptism as MCM, see www.mennochurch.mb.ca/giving.