Theology
Today, Anabaptists understand and live out their Christian faith in a variety of ways. But they continue to share several basic convictions, including the belief that Christians should not use violence.
Since their emergence in the 16th century, Anabaptists have lived out their faith in a variety of ways while maintaining certain core convictions. A special feature of the Mennonite understanding of faith from the very beginning was the conviction that Christians should not use violence. Mennonites therefore belong to the historic peace churches.
In light of the diversity of Anabaptist faith expressions around the world, Mennonite World Conference does not have a confession of faith but is united instead around its “Shared Convictions,” seven points of agreement discerned together by the General Council (representatives from each member body).
MWC’s 7 Shared Convictions
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By the grace of God, we seek to live and proclaim the good news of reconciliation in Jesus Christ. As part of the one body of Christ at all times and places, we hold the following to be central to our belief and practice:
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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.
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2. Jesus is the Son of God. Through his life and teachings, his cross and resurrection, he showed us how to be faithful disciples, redeemed the world, and offers eternal life.
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3. As a church, we are 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.
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4. As a faith community, we accept the Bible as our authority for faith and life, interpreting it together under Holy Spirit guidance, in the light of Jesus Christ to discern God's will for our obedience.
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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.
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6. We gather regularly to worship, to celebrate the Lord's Supper, and to hear the Word of God in a spirit of mutual accountability.
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7. As a world-wide community of faith and life we transcend boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender and language. 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 Christ as Saviour and Lord.
