Discovering Mennonites
In 1931 the first Mennonites settled in Clearbrook. These three workshops explore the origin of the Mennonite peoples, their life in Russia, and finally their life in Canada.
Mennonite Origins
Mennonites owe their origins to the Anabaptists of the Protestant Reformation. Working from the more radical humanist and mystical streams of Catholicism, the Anabaptists developed their own perspective of Christian identity rooted in a separation of church and state, believer baptism, and strong discipleship. Menno Simons contributed a peace orientation that led, through persecution and martyrdom, to the formation of the Mennonite church.
ABBOTSFORD – Clearbrook centre
(80267 PD MEN01 A5A) Bruce Hiebert, 1 session, Wed, 7-9 pm, $15. Oct 10
Mennonites in Russia
Mennonites were welcomed to South Russia by Catherine the Great, where they flourished as an independent religious people in selfgoverned colonies. While times were often good, the problems of being a state-church, increasingly beset by irreligious ways and class structures, led to fissures and transformations. Eventually the thriving Mennonite culture was transformed into fragmented and scattered churches through the traumas of war, revolution, and persecution.
ABBOTSFORD – Clearbrook centre
(80268 PD MEN02 A5A) Bruce Hiebert, 1 session, Wed, 7-9 pm, $15. Oct 24
Mennonites in Canada
Mennonites have been an important part of Canadian life since the 1780s, leaving their distinct mark on Canada’s political traditions and ethno-cultural identity. The early Swiss, American, and French Amish and Mennonites were joined by Russian and German Mennonites over the centuries leading to a mosaic of Mennonites with distinct regional and religious differences. Today there are dozens of Mennonite groups united only by their mutual commitment to the work of Mennonite Central Committee, a highly regarded international relief and development agency.
ABBOTSFORD – Clearbrook centre
(80269 PD MEN03 A5A) Bruce Hiebert, 1 session, Wed, 7-9 pm, $15. Nov 7
For more information, contact Cheryl Isaac at 604-854-4527 or 1-888-504-7441, local 4527, or email cheryl.isaac@ufv.ca
Last updated June 2012
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