Statement of core convictions ready for study and discussion

Seven sentences that express the core convictions of Anabaptists worldwide were approved for further study and discussion at a meeting of the Mennonite World Conference General Council August 17.

They are not intended as a confession of faith, but describe basic beliefs held in common with most Christians, as well as beliefs that Anabaptists give special emphasis. They could be useful for defining Anabaptism to others.

The statement, written by Faith and Life Council members (whose membership overlaps the General Council), was based on responses to an effort to collect statements of core convictions from MWC member churches.

The Faith and Life Council is now requesting responses to the seven-point statement, which could be revised at its next meeting in 2006. [In the Canadian MB Conference, the statement has been delegated to the Board of Faith and Life to process.]

The statement lists the following points as “central to our belief and practice”:

1. God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Creator who seeks to restore fallen humanity by calling a people to be faithful in fellowship, worship, service and witness.
2. Jesus is the Son of God who showed in his life and teaching how to be faithful, and through his cross and resurrection redeemed the world.
3. The church is a community of those whom God’s Spirit calls to turn from sin, acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, receive baptism upon confession of faith and follow Christ in life.
4. The faith community, under Holy Spirit guidance, interprets the Bible in the light of Jesus Christ to discern God’s will for our obedience.
5. The Spirit of Jesus empowers us to trust God in all areas of life so we become peacemakers who renounce violence, love our enemies, seek justice and share our possessions with those in need.
6. The faith community gathers regularly to worship, to celebrate the Lord’s Supper and to hear the Word of God in a spirit of mutual accountability.
7. We seek to live in the world without conforming to the powers of evil, witnessing to God’s grace by serving others, caring for creation and inviting all people to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

—from a report by Paul Schrag