The Mennonite World Conference represents the majority of the worldwide churches that originated from the Radical Reformation of the 16th century in Europe, and in particular the Anabaptist Movement. Olivier shared how,“The jubilee of the 2000th anniversary of Christ's resurrection must be prepared by a "decade of resurrection" during which the Churches come together, witnessing the Risen One, serving him through the needy and celebrating him.” He stressed the importance of this decade: this Anniversary is not only an event to be marked in 2033, but above all a journey for personal and community transformation.
Mennonite churches place particular focus on peace and reconciliation by emphasizing the Sermon on the Mount. How does the JC2033 Movement relate to this theme?To this question, Rev. Hoegger replied that each Church has received a talent, a charisma that must inspire others. The contribution of Mennonites is to emphasize the importance of reconciliation. He invited them to produce a booklet on the theme "Resurrection, Reconciliation and Peace". At the end of the meeting, there was great joy visible on every face. It ended with a prayer in which the anointing of the Holy Spirit was invoked on those who carry out this project.
Following the meeting, Cesar Garcia, General Secretary of the Conference wrote to warmly thank us for our contribution and stated: "In a general way, there was excitement and affirmation about your vision and proposal. During the coming months we will enter into a process of discernment about how Mennonites could be part of this global Christian commemoration. Please keep me posted about new developments in this journey towards 2033. Once again thank you very much for your ministry and our time today."
Martin Hoegger
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Main Image - Skype Meeting Mennonite World Conference, Costa Rica, April, 2019
