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MWC counts 1.2 million members
The number of baptized members in 197 Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and related churches in 63 countries is 1,203,995, according to a new census.
The figures are reported in the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ World Directory 2000, released in December by Mennonite World Conference. The previous directory, published in 1998, showed 1,060,143 baptized members in 192 bodies in 61 countries.
The new statistics show a 13.5 per cent membership increase. Africa led the way with a 26 per cent increase. Churches in the global South (Africa, Asia/Pacific, Caribbean/Central and South America) continue to constitute a majority, with more than 702,000 members. Membership in the North (Europe and North America) is 501,000.
Continental figures show:
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1998
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2000
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Change
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Africa
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322,708
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405,979
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+26%
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Asia/Pacific
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157,075
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184,049
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+17%
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Central/S. America/Caribbean
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102,496
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112,128
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+9%
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North America
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415,978
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443,918
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+7%
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Europe
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61,886
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57,921
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-6%
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Europe’s decline was due in part to a revised estimate of the membership of independent Mennonite Brethren churches in Germany.
The six countries with the most baptized members are the same as in 1998:
United States
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319,768
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Congo
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183,040
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Canada
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124,150
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India
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90,006
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Indonesia
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87,802
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Ethiopia
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73,219
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Other countries with more than 20,000 members are Germany, Kenya, Paraguay, Tanzania and Zimbabye. Kenya is the only country to join this list since 1998. This is the result of growth within churches previously counted and the addition of a conference which is in fellowship with the Conservative Mennonite Church (USA). – Mennonite Weekly Report, Mennonite World Conference
Summary
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Continent
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Membership
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Countries
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Organized
Bodies
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Africa
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405,979
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14
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22
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Asia & Pacific
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184,049
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9
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22
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Caribbean, Central & South America
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112,128
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25
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98
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Europe
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57,921
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13
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21
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North America
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443,918
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2
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34
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Total
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1,203,995
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63
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197
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Last modified July 5, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.
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