Membership in Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and related churches worldwide has grown 14 percent in three years to nearly 1.5 million. Total estimated membership in the 200 Mennonite, Brethren in Christ (BIC) and related churches in 65 countries now stands at 1,297,716 — up from 1,203,995 members in 197 bodies in 63 countries in 2000. [2003 Mennonite & Brethren in Christ World Membership.
http://www.mwc-cmm.org/Directory/mbictotal.html] Then
Mennonites, known for their strong commitment to community; interest in social issues; voluntary service to those who have experienced hardship and loss in floods, tornadoes and other disasters; and mission outreach. [http://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennos/index.html] are a group of Christian Anabaptist denominations named after Menno Simons (1496-1561). The Mennonite (Anabaptist) faith movement began in Europe in the 16th Century when a small group of believers challenged the reforms of Martin Luther and others during the Protestant Reformation, saying they were not radical enough and calling for adult rather than infant baptism. In 1525, several members set themselves apart from the official church by publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ and re-baptizing each other. [http://www.mennoniteusa.org/mennos/index.html] Menno Simons was not the founder but is often called the regenerator of the Anabaptist movement. [at the age of 40, he left the Roman Catholic Church and became a leader within the Anabaptist movement] He certainly was its most important leader in the Netherlands during the sixteenth century. Menno assumed leadership during a crucial period in which the Anabaptist movement was in danger of losing its original identity. His prolific writings and moderate leadership were essential in unifying the nonviolent wing of the Dutch Anabaptists and maintaining their peaceful beliefs. [http://www.mennosimons.net/] Church-state structures did not tolerate these Anabaptists or "Anabaptizers," meaning re-baptizers. Over the course of two generations, thousands were persecuted. Many met death as martyrs. In order to preserve the movement, the survivors went into hiding. From 1575 to 1850, membership grew primarily when adults passed their faith to their children.
And Now
The Mennonites have, like much of the rest of the church, traveled far from their conservative, Biblical beginnings. In their articles of faith [Article 2.. Jesus Christ] we read
“…We accept Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. In his ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing, he proclaimed forgiveness of sins and peace to those near at hand and those far off. In calling disciples to follow him, he began the new community of faith. In his suffering, he loved his enemies and did not resist them with violence, thus giving us an example to follow. In the shedding of his blood on the cross, Jesus offered up his life to the Father, bore the sins of all, and reconciled us to God…” [http://www.mennolink.org/doc/cof/art.2.html#reference_10]
And [All emphasis added] “We believe that, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God offers salvation from sin and a new way of life to all people. We receive God’s salvation when we repent of sin and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In Christ, we are reconciled with God and brought into the reconciling community of God’s people.” [http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-8.html]
Yet… A Common Word On the occasion of the Islamic Feast of Fast-Breaking (Eid al-Fitr), Oct. 13, a group of 138 Muslim leaders addressed an open letter, “A Common Word between Us and You,” to leaders of Christian churches throughout the world. This letter seeks to identify common ground between Islam and Christianity in Jesus’ commands to love God and the neighbor and calls for amicable relations between Muslims and Christians in the interest of world peace.
Which was responded to by quite a few ‘Christian’ leaders among whom was James Schrag, Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA who said “As one of the historic peace churches, we in Mennonite Church USA heartily thank the signatories of “A Common Word between Us and You” for recognizing that Christians worship one God and take Jesus’ commands to love God and love our neighbors as central to our lives of faith. We appreciate the affirmation that Muslims and Christians hold important theological and ethical foundations in common, and we welcome the call for sincere dialogue between Christians and Muslims wherever we meet around the world. We also respect “A Common Word” as a courageous expression of goodwill in the midst of less charitable Muslim voices and in the face of recurrent Christian hostility toward Muslims and misunderstanding of Islam. We repent for our role in perpetrating these unchristian actions and ask your patience and forgiveness as we grow in understanding you, our Muslim neighbors, and in practicing Christian love with you…. … Many Mennonite Christians have enjoyed friendship with Muslims and cooperated together in a wide range of activities through the years. We in Mennonite Church USA continue to commend such interaction and strongly encourage Christians and Muslims around the world to meet, develop friendships and cooperate in endeavors of mutual concern as we discuss and bear witness to the theological and ethical foundations of our faith and life. We thank those who have issued “A Common Word” and assure you that we will continue to pray and work for Christian-Muslim understanding, cooperation and peacemaking”. [http://www.acommonword.com/index.php?page=responses&item=40 OR http://old.mennoniteusa.org/news/news/oct-dec07/11_20_07.htm]
In the push for everybody to ‘get along’ I guess James Schrag forgot about ‘receiving God’s salvation when we repent of sin and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?’ which I may add is NOT just a ‘important theological and ethical foundation’ but a matter of LIFE AND DEATH.
See Three Part Article on The Vineyards Approach To “Blessing Muslims” and The Church’s Reconciliation Program
Apart from Ecumenism, too many of the Mennonites have strayed far and wide.. They staff a liaison office at the United Nations, indirectly promote the Goddess Sophia, The Earth Charter agenda and Gaia. They have made a historic first visit to the Vatican, built a prayer labyrinth on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va, and 130 Mennonite congregations have used Warren’s 40 Days of Purpose” campaign. They promote contemplative spirituality for teens, recommend centering prayer, have evening Song and Prayer in the Taize tradition, and show signs of going emergent. There is a drumming circle led by a Mennonite and some nice Mennonite ladies have been beating their drums loud enough to make Menno roll over in his grave. Portraying Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as ‘a sane and reasonable person’ is probably the most bewildering of their recent exploits.. few of which can be commended. But the laundry list of Mennonite false and dangerous teachings is way too lengthy to cover here. See Roll over Menno … a blog that is dedicated to all post modern Mennonites who are causing their forefather and founder, Menno Simons, to roll over in his grave. | 
Section 10A .. 
