Mennonite

The Mennonites are a group of Christian Anabaptist denominations named after and influenced by the teachings and tradition of Menno Simons. They are one of the peace churches, which hold to a doctrine of non-violence, non-resistance and pacifism.

Theology

Their core beliefs, deriving from Anabaptist traditions are:

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• Baptism of believers understood as threefold: Baptism by the spirit (internal change of heart), Baptism by water (public demonstration of witness), and baptism by blood (martyrdom and asceticism).
• Church discipline understood as threefold : Confession of Sins, Absolution of Sin, and Re-admission of Sinner in the church.
• The Lord's Supper as Memorial, shared by baptised believers within the discipline of the church.

One of the earliest expressions of their faith was the Schleitheim Confession, adopted in February 24, 1527.

Related Topics:
Schleitheim Confession - February 24 - 1527

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Its seven articles covered:

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• Believer's Baptism
• The Ban (Excommunication)
• Breaking of Bread (Communion)
• Separation from the Abomination (The Roman Catholic Church)
• Pastors in the Church
• Renunciation of the Sword (Nonviolence, pacifism)
• Renunciation of the Oath (Swearing as Proof of Truth)

Because the authority within the Mennonite Church does not flow from top-down, there is no concrete creed or catechism of which acceptance is required by congregations or members. However there are leadership structures and tradition that is taught and sometimes codified as in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective.

Related Topics:
Creed - Catechism

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