"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James 3:16-18
As practicing Mennonites, our King, Gerber and Yoder forebears dedicated their lives to Peace. According to the Dordrecht Confession of Faith, (Adopted April 21, 1632, by a Dutch Mennonite Conference held at Dordrecht, Holland), they adhered strictly to the principle of non-violence, as shown here in Article XIV of this document:
From this we understand that therefore, and
according to His example, we must not inflict pain, harm, or sorrow
upon any one, but seek the highest welfare and salvation of all men,
and even, if necessity require it, flee for the Lord's sake from one
city or country into another, and suffer the spoiling of our goods;
that we must not harm any one, and, when we are smitten, rather turn
the other cheek also, than take revenge or retaliate. Matt. 5:39.
And, moreover, that we must pray for our enemies,
feed and refresh them whenever they are hungry or thirsty, and thus
convince them by well-doing, and overcome all ignorance. Rom. 12:19,
20.
Finally, that we must do good and commend ourselves
to every man's conscience; and, according to the law of Christ, do
unto no one that which we would not have done to us. II Cor. 4:2;
Matt. 7:12.
As regards revenge, that is, to oppose an enemy
with the sword, we believe and confess that the Lord Christ has
forbidden and set aside to His disciples and followers all revenge
and retaliation, and commanded them to render to no one evil
for evil, or cursing for cursing, but to put the sword into the
sheath, or, as the prophets have predicted, to beat the swords into
ploughshares. Matt. 5:39, 44; Rom. 12:14; I Pet. 3:9; Isa. 2:4;
Micah 4:3; Zech. 9:8, 9.
As such, their faith compelled them to refuse military service, which either cost them a heavy tax or provoked the wrath of the ruling authorities, resulting sometimes in brutal persecutions. Many Mennonites went bravely to their deaths rather than lift up a sword against their fellow man. We honor herewith those simple, faithful and peaceful folk.
This page was last updated on November 25, 2002.
For questions related to the organization and content of this site, please contact the webmaster.