Anabaptism originated in Switzerland in 1525 during the Reformation under the leadership of Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, Georg Blaurock, and others. Most Anabaptists were later named "Mennonites" in recognition of the leadership of Menno Simons, Dutch priest who joined them in 1536.
The Anabaptists sought a total commitment to God as revealed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ and attempted uncompromisingly to restore a New Testament brotherhood. They shared the Apostolic Creed with all Christendom and stressed
1) Separation of Church and State,
2) Adult Believers' Baptism,
3) Voluntary Church Membership,
4) Freedom of Conscience,
5) The New Testament Doctrine of Love and Nonresistance,
6) Integrity, including Refusal of the Oath, and
7) A Simple Life Style, a Concern for Humility, and New Testament Morality.
The Anabaptist-Mennonites were persecuted moving from place to place for "conscience sake" and or economic betterment. Few movements have endured so much for spiritual freedom. In time, the concepts of Separation of Church and State and Religious Freedom were increasingly recognized in the Western World, especially in America. Here, the Mennonites found the opportunity to witness in Christian Education, Missions, Peace, Relief, and Service to Mankind.
"For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
I Corinthians 3:11
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