Workshops
What Anabaptist Migration has to tell us Today
Many early Anabaptists experienced banishment from their homes on account of their faith, and Anabaptists around the world are still on the move. Some experience forced migration, others are volunteering to move for the sake of missions, church planting or economic opportunity, and others are mobilizing their congregations to help resettle refugees in their home communities or welcome other newcomers hospitably. All these groups can find greater meaning in their endeavors from the spiritual reflections that early Anabaptists wrote on their experiences of migration. This workshop will feature those inspiring texts. Group discussion is anticipated.
Venue: Friedenskirche (1st fl)
Language:
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Speaker: Hans Leaman, N.N.
2. Courage to Love: Testimonies of Hope
What does it mean to be the church today? A powerful witness comes from churches that persist in situations of violence, injustice, and suffering. In this workshop, participants will hear testimonies from Myanmar, Zimbabwe, and Colombia. In each of these places, Anabaptist Christians practice faithful discipleship against great odds. How does the way of Jesus inspire courage to love and hope in such contexts, and what can the world church learn from their experiences?
Venue: FEG Trittligasse
Language:
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Speaker:
Danisa Ndlovu, Amos Chin, Adaia Bernal,
Fernando Enns (Moderator)
3. Mission and Baptism: The MKC Story in Ethiopia considering 500 Years of the Anabaptist Movement
As the global Anabaptist community commemorates 500 years of Christian discipleship, this workshop explores the intersection of mission and baptism within the Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) in Ethiopia. Rooted in Anabaptist convictions, MKC has grown into a dynamic movement through evangelism, discipleship, and community transformation. This session will highlight MKC’s baptismal practices, its missional impact, and how we reflect the core values of the early Anabaptists—faithful witness, costly discipleship, and church growth amid challenges. Join us in celebrating how the legacy of the Anabaptist movement continues to shape MKC’s mission today.
Venue: Maerchensaal
Language:
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Speaker:
Desalegn Abebe Ejo, Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle
4. Anabaptist and Magisterial Ways of Interpreting the New Testament
The Zurich reformers used their interpretation of the Bible to justify their doctrine vis-à-vis the Catholic position. However, they often also defended the traditional interpretation against the more far-reaching reform ideas of the Anabaptists, e.g. on the oath or the punishment of “heretics.” We will read and discuss excerpts from Heinrich Bullinger's commentaries on the New Testament in which this problem is particularly evident.
Venue: Theologisches Seminar - 1
Language:
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Speaker:
Stefan Krauter
5. Is the Question of Baptism still Church-dividing?
A Reformed-Baptist dialogue!
Five hundred years ago, the issue of baptism divided the Protestants in Zurich. What significance does the controversy of that time have for today? Is it still relevant? Karl Barth, the most important Reformed theologian of the 20th century, expressed difficulties with infant baptism. There are more and more adult baptisms in the mainstream churches. Are the Reformed becoming more (Ana)Baptist? Are the (Ana)Baptists reforming?
Venue: Theologisches Seminar -2
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Language:
Speakers:
Niklas Langemann, Deborah Andrist and Ralph Kunz
6.Culture of Memory Within Religious Minorities
The memory culture of religious minorities often preserves a narrative characterized by persecution, discrimination and migration. Memories that are kept alive through stories, days and memorials, can strengthen the identity of minorities and keep alive the call for tolerance and religious freedom. Minority cultures of memory can remind the majority society of a narrative of “others” . Within religious communities, memory can have a healing and identity-forming effect, while also contributing to the preservation of human rights and religious freedom. Anabaptist memory—emphasizing their non-conformist lifestyle and their voluntary faith--open alternative options for action in current social challenges (including non-violence).
Venue: Theologisches Seminar –3
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Language:
Speaker:
Andrea Strübind,
Astrid von Schlachta,
Danang Kristiawan
7. The Trilateral Dialogue on Baptism
This workshop explores the recently concluded trilateral dialogue on baptism between the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran World Federation, and Mennonite World Conference. We will discuss key insights, theological convergences, and remaining challenges in understanding baptism across traditions. What does this dialogue mean for Christian unity, ecumenical relationships, and our shared mission? Join us for a rich conversation on the significance of baptism in shaping our faith communities and fostering reconciliation. This session is open to all interested in ecumenical engagement and the ongoing journey toward deeper mutual understanding in the body of Christ.
Venue: Theologisches Seminar - 4
Language:
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Speakers:
Larry Miller,
Anne Burghardt, N.N.
Moderation: Anne-Cathy Graber
8. Pentecost Reversed: The Courage to Love in a Secularized Context
While we are commemorating the history of Anabaptism, we do so in a European setting that is fiercely secularized. It is possible that the Anabaptist movement may cease to exist completely in some of the places of its genesis. This perspective of fading into nonexistence or even collapse leads to a widespread sense of loss and anxiety. Beyond the simplistic call for more intensive envangelization, how does this affect the life and witness of those congegrations still active? What theological challenge does it pose to live faithfully in a world that no longer recognizes Christian language?
Venue: Hirschengraben 50/1
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Language:
Speaker:
Wieteke van der Molen
9. Seeking to Walk in Solidarity: Exploring MWC’s Declaration of Solidarity with Indigenous People
How can the church respond to the ongoing realities of colonization? This workshop, led by the MWC Peace Commission, explores the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities and the church’s role in decolonization. We will discuss the Mennonite World Conference’s Statement of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, examining its implications for justice, reconciliation, and faithful witness. Through conversation and reflection, we will consider practical steps for churches and individuals to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. Join us as we seek a gospel-shaped response to historical and present injustices.
Venue: Hirschengraben 7
Time: 11:00-12:15
Language:
Speakers:
Andres Pacheco Lozano,
Andrew Suderman
10. Communal Living in the Anabaptist Tradition
Do Anabaptist communities have a purpose and role in modern society? What challenges do they face?
In this collaborative workshop we will briefly review community experiments of the past and present, and then explore structures and techniques that can facilitate (or hinder) communal living. We will also use scenario thinking to consider options for crisis management and conflict resolution in the context of Christian community. Participants can expect to leave the workshop with more questions than answers, but all the more inspired to continue the Anabaptist communal witness in all its various forms.
Venue: Friedenskirche (1st fl)
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speakers: Ulrike Arnold, Kim Comer
11. Love in Action: Justice and Mercy in and for Israel-Palestine
Historic and recent injustice and violence in Israel-Palestine weigh heavily on Anabaptists globally, especially in Europe and the U.S. where Christian-rooted anti-Semitism and economic and foreign policy interests caused and sustain the crisis.
Mennonites respond in many ways. Some organize relief projects and help refugees. Economic/cultural development, religious exchange, health, and education are also part of Mennonite witness over more than a century. And in recent generations, Anabaptists engage increasingly in political organizing and peace and justice work and building a global movement. We will learn about different approaches, and participants will share about their own spaces for action.
Venue: FEG Trittligasse
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speaker: David Lapp-Jost
12. Let’s sing together
An Anabaptist hymn sing: Join us for a chance to sing together across time and cultures. Songs will reflect the rich variety of hymnody from the past and in the global Anabaptist church today.
Venue: Maerchensaal
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speaker: Brian Wiebe
13. What Else Happened in 1525? The Origins of Zurich Anabaptism in Context
1525 was a decisive year for the Reformation. The workshop will look at the context in which the first adult baptism took place in Zurich, paying particular attention to the developments there, but also considering events and processes at other places which influenced the situation of Konrad Grebel and his fellow reformers.
Venue: Theologisches Seminar -1
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speaker: Tobias Jammerthal
14. Love Your Enemy: Peace theology in challenging contexts
Peace is not always easily attainable. In some places, it is even dangerous to discuss peace. In this workshop, we will be joined by guests from regions where peace is contested. Together, we will reflect on how peace theology can be lived out in difficult settings along with the challenges that come with advocating for peace.
Venue: Theologisches Seminar –2
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speakers:
Luz Stella Cortes (EDUPAZ, Colombia)
Alexandra Flury-Schölch (Mission 21, Switzerland)
Oscar Siwali (SADRA, South Africa)
Moderators:
Christine Reibenschuh
Marcus Weiand
15. Gifts and Challenges of Inter-Church Dialogue: Testimonies
Why engage in dialogue with other churches? What can we learn from these encounters? This workshop explores the importance of inter-church dialogue through testimonies from Mennonite, Baptist, Reformed, and Lutheran participants. Speakers will share personal experiences, key insights, and the gifts and challenges of ecumenical engagement. Together, we will reflect on how dialogue fosters reconciliation, the healing of memories, and deeper relationships across traditions. Join us to explore how conversation can bridge divides, strengthen faith, and contribute to Christian unity.
Venue: Theologisches Seminar – 3
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speakers:
Andrea Strübind,
Michael Martin,
Tom Yoder Neufeld, Hanns Lessing,
Wieteke van der Molen (Moderator).
16. Anabaptists and Creation Care: Responding to the planetary crisis
The church is being impacted by the multiple threats to the earth, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. This workshop will explore how Anabaptists around the world are experiencing these impacts on people and planet, and how churches are responding out of their Christian love. Participants will share stories of their experiences with these challenges, explore together Anabaptist perspectives of creation care, and help articulate how the global Anabaptist communion can lead in a Christ-centered response to caring for God’s creation.
Venue: Theologisches Seminar – 4
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language:
Speaker:
Doug Graber Neufeld, Juliana Morillo, Sibonokuhle Ncube, David Nussbaumer, Nindyo Sasongko, Jennifer Schrock, Anna Vogt
17. Rencontre Francophone
Vous parlez français? Rejoignez-nous pour un moment de rencontre et d’échange entre francophones lors de l’événement. C’est une belle occasion de faire connaissance, de partager nos expériences et de tisser des liens dans un cadre détendu. Bienvenue à toutes et à tous!
Venue: Hirschengraben 50/1
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language: French
Speaker: Max Wiedmer
18. Welcoming Immigrants into the Life of the Church
Come along on a church's journey of reaching out to immigrants and the thriving international church ministry that resulted from that encounter. Hear Darrel and Miriam's personal story as their work with immigrants became a focus of their church ministry. Hear stories of holding a baptism course for 30 baptism candidates from different cultures or hospitality from the Middle East vs. Asian culture and what gift-giving looks like across cultures.
You will hear the highs and the lows, some of the pitfalls and the goals to reach for in relating to and working with immigrants and incorporating them into church life.
Venue: Hirschengraben 7
Time: 14:00-15:15
Language: English
Speaker:
Darrel Weaver, Miriam Weaver