Anabaptism@500

Commemorating 500 years of the Anabaptist movement

On 29 May 2025, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) will welcome guests from around the world to The Courage to Love: Anabaptism@500. The day-long celebration commemorates the birth of the Anabaptist movement in Zurich, Switzerland. Following workshops, concerts, a panel discussion and self-guided historical walking tours, participants will gather for a worship service with ecumenical participation at the Grossmünster cathedral.

But the anniversary of the Anabaptist movement is not only in focus on May 29 in Zurich: throughout the year, various events are taking place around the world to reflect on, honor and commemorate the movement and what it has become today.

From lectures to exhibitions to church services, a diverse program is being created that appeals to a wide range of people.

“Anniversaries are a time to stop and reflect: we remember where we have come from, consider who we are today and anticipate where God is calling us to be,” says César García, MWC general secretary. 

“Come, meet the global Anabaptist community and enjoy the gifts of the global church at the place where the movement started,” says Liesa Unger, MWC chief international events officer

“The event will have a strong historical component that makes it clear why we are gathering in Zurich. But an even stronger emphasis will focus on the future,” says historian and MWC Renewal 2025 coordinator John D. Roth.