It has been well over half a year since I took part in the Mennonite World Conference event in Zürich, Switzerland on May 29, 2025, commemorating the 500 year anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, an event which for me was part of a heritage tour visiting significant locations connected to the early movement. There was almost too much to take in at the time, but my experiences then continue to inform my reflections on faith and what it means to part of this story now.

History was a focus for much of my school studies. I remember learning about the events leading to WW2 in high school and experiencing the “ah hah!” moment when I connected those classroom narratives with the stories experienced by my family members in Russia and Germany. During those weeks in Europe being present at, and seeing the actual places connected to my spiritual heritage, was often moving and allowed me to be engaged in the historical event commemorated in that spot. I was one of the lucky ones who actually got into the limited space of the Grossmünster Kirche for the worship service on the 29th, but was seated in a near-back row of the balcony with no sightline to the front of the church. It didn’t matter. I could watch on a conveniently placed screen and know that I was in the actual structure that witnessed the break between Zwingli and the early Anabaptist leaders.

The ecumenical service marked not only the remembrance of a new radical movement, it was also a step of reconciliation, as members of the Reformed, Lutheran, Catholic and other faith groups shared in liturgy and symbolic acts. Surely gathering, making amends and committing to love, renewal of faith and unity for all Christians presented during this commemorative service is one the most important grounds for hope going forward. Indeed, for myself, the two highlights of the service which still resonate were the message from Pope Leo XIV read by Cardinal Koch, and the sermon given by César García of MWC. The Pope invited the gathered to live out the command to love, to serve others and reflect on history honestly to enable healing of past wounds and build a new future. The challenge presented in César García’s meditation was to reflect on what courage looks like for us in present times when we face difficult choices, a question which has faced believers for centuries even before the events of 500 years ago.

Zürich, Switzerland

Anabaptist Movement: 500 Years

Gathering in Worship

TourMagination at Courage to Love

I had anticipated being impacted by the many sites we visited and the stories told of early Anabaptists being imprisoned, tortured and killed. What surprised me was being impressed even more by the words and actions of those early Anabaptist believers, who were more concerned with showing the love of God to their neighbours and their enemies than the fear of dying. Hearing readings or singing hymns at various historical sites, like the place where Anna Manz’s house stood and many were baptized, or the cave under the house in Steinsfurt where 53 Anabaptists were arrested while worshiping, was emotionally moving. Yes the torture and killing is part of the story but it is not the end of the story. The story is still living, still developing and influences us in what it means to live out our lives faithfully. Visiting the various castles etc. which served as prisons in the 16th century, I asked the question: “what would I do if faced with prison and death?” I realized in the end, all I can do is allow the story to shape me and guide my actions as I face decisions on how I respond to difficult circumstances, or how the wider church navigates the polarizing divisions, fear, distrust and violence in today’s world.

We live in a divided world, and sadly, the church often struggles with differences, but the events commemorated in 2025 show us that love is greater than divisions. My hope is that the story will continue to shape my life.