Transcript: Year in review 2025

The year 2025 marks five centuries of the Anabaptist movement. Around the world, believers observed the anniversary in their own ways.

Mennonite World Conference’s commemoration involved activities attended by more than 3,500 people in Zurich, Switzerland, on 29 May 2025.

The day featured workshops that examined the past, present, and future of the church through history, theology, and acts of service.

At the close, thousands more from around the world tuned in for a worship service that included the participation of the Lutheran World Federation, the Roman Catholic Church, and a statement of reconciliation between MWC and the World Communion of Reformed Churches, while leaders washed each other’s feet.

Through it all, this spirit breathed healing on wounds of the past.

Just like in 1525, today we hope for a church that is voluntary. Following Jesus must be a choice—a church that is a true community. A church that is committed to love and to reconciliation with God, with others, with ourselves, and with creation.

This year, Mennonite World Conference also celebrated 100 years. No longer merely an event, MWC is truly becoming a worldwide communion of churches.

On its triennial cycle, the General Council convened for fellowship, learning, and discernment. Discussing the strategic plan and deliberating over constitutional changes, they worked hard on shaping a strategy for MWC’s future.

For the first time, all the networks, along with the Young Anabaptist delegates, met alongside the General Council triennial meeting, with the Global Youth Summit following.

We hope everyone who was here was inspired and will share what they’ve learned with every church they interact with back home.

For church members who were not there in person, local events and fellowships continue to happen to remember our roots and discern our future.

Our commitment to relationships with other Christians continues to grow.

After 13 global communions joined our meetings in Germany and Zurich, MWC participated in events organized by the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Baptist World Alliance, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

We have also published a guide for study, worship, and dialogue. Restoring Our Family to Wholeness: Seeking a Common Witness was co-published with the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

Two important creation care resources on God’s love for the cosmos are now available: a teaching resource approved by the General Council and a prayer book.

Helping to foster relationships and learning between in-person events, the MWC networks—comprising peace, service, mission, and education—are also hosting regular webinars for member organizations and churches.

The online prayer hour continues to be a meaningful way to connect to the global church. Every two months, we gather to pray in five languages.

We believe that this work is extremely valuable. We are a very small group in a global context, but we Anabaptist churches have much to share and much to contribute to other Christian groups and to societies around the world.

Our work of learning, sharing, and serving each other around the world would not be possible without your strong support and participation.

Thank you. Join us as we continue to follow Jesus, live out unity, and build peace for another 100 years.