MLK’s “I Have a Dream” inspired by Prathia Hall Wynn
In honor of Women’s History Month, this is the first in a series about women’s contributions to make earth more like heaven. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was inspired by Prathia Hall Wynn. Hall Wynn was the first female field organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in southwest […]
Black history is shared life that imparts beauty
A gift of Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty came at a time when the glory of God’s light was needed. At church, we recite that “only what we do for God will last.” However, I know that what we do for others will last, as well. When it is done in the spirit of […]
Who Will Be A Witness? reexamines the revolution of Jesus
Who Will Be A Witness? by Drew G. I. Hart, Ph.D. is an easy, yet hearty, read that captures the revolutionary spirit of Jesus, while remaining rooted in history and tradition. Whether you’re a scholar of Black theology or just beginning to wrestle with the ways your faith may be influenced by White supremacy, this work […]
Celebrating Kwanzaa with “justice, equality and humanity”
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that is celebrated Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. Its creator, Dr. Maulana Karenga, developed the holiday after the Watts Uprising of 1965 in Los Angeles, California. I use the term “uprising” intentionally, instead of the colloquial term “riot.” A riot implies rampant chaos and destruction without aim or purpose […]
Stories of Repair—A Reparative Justice Resource
This booklet is a compilation of stories from across the Mennonite church in the US and Canada that offer "next steps" of reparative justice in response to the Doctrine of Discovery, from returning land to Indigenous communities, to including restitution funds in church budgets, to supporting Indigenous struggles to protect lands and waters. "Stories of Repair" also includes theological […]
Women of faith conference
Women of all faiths are invited to join us in prophetic witness and holistic healing. Utilizing Mennonite Women USA’s Sisterhood Masterclass and Sister Care Seminar, we will address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion as we experience Christ together in fellowship and worship. What: A women’s leadership conference led by African American Women, sponsored by […]
Stir Up Peace webinar with Sarah and Jonathan Nahar on the nonviolent direct action video series
Webinar recording Monday, June 6 Following Jesus means seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, but we can’t use violence to do it. With nonviolent direct action, we can create the change that God is calling us to make. Join peacemakers Jonathan and Sarah Nahar for the Stir Up Peace webinar and learn more about this exciting curriculum that’s […]
The power of love
"Is it not obvious by now that love is the most powerful force in the world? What other power can heal people’s brokenness, reconcile enemies and restore the health of our soil?" — Akiko Aratani and Ray Epp, mission partners in Naganuma, Japan Photo by John Murray. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.
Unless a Grain of Wheat
For six decades, North American Mennonites have walked alongside African Independent Churches (AICs) as they have navigated their faith journey between the ancient traditions of the ancestors and the newer claims of Christ upon their lives. The story of these relationships is a fascinating pilgrimage in partnership, offering hope for a mutuality that slips the […]
Who Will Be A Witness
Churches have begun awakening to social and political injustices, often carried out in the name of Christianity. But once awakened, how will we respond? Who Will Be a Witness offers a vision for communities of faith to organize for deliverance and justice in their neighborhoods, states, and nation as an essential part of living out the […]
Webinar: Speak the truth in love
Speak the truth in love Webinar with Pastors Kevin Himes and Vikki Pruitte-Sorrells, hosted by Ann Jacobs (Recorded Thursday, February 18, 2021) Follow-up resources Request Mission Network guest speaker for your congregation to speak about racial reconciliation Article—Ash Wednesday and White Supremacy Revolutionary non-violence—Beggars & Saints | Anabaptist World Books Love over Fear: Facing Monsters, […]
Story 5: Dismantling systemic racism
Ann Jacobs, Church Relations representative, wrote a blog regarding the death of George Floyd at the hands of police brutality and the outpouring of protest. Here is an excerpt from that blog: "… In a review of the verse in 1 Corinthians 12:26, when one suffocates, we all suffocate. … We are God’s ambassadors for […]