Hundreds of people drawn from at least 57 countries, including Zimbabwe, are attending the 16th Assembly of the Mennonite World Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, which started yesterday and ends Saturday.
About 200 followers of the Brethren-In-Christ Church from various branches in Zimbabwe are attending the event, which is held every six years. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Walking With God’. Such conferences have been held in Zimbabwe, Paraguay, Calcutta and Canada.
The Mennonite World Conference is an international community of Anabaptist-related churches representing Christian churches rooted in the 16th century Radical Reformation in Europe. Members include Mennonites and Brethren-In-Christ followers with 1,3 million baptized believers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America.
Mennonites, who have established a reputation of being very strict followers of non-violence, are engaged in various activities like tackling poverty, HIV and related issues.
Zimbabweans attending the conference say they hope to continue spreading the word of God back home in communities ravaged by serious social, economic and political problems.
For perspective on the role of the church in transforming Zimbabwe, Studio 7 spoke with Pastor Ron Moyo of the Whitestone Mennonite Church, Kansas, Ohio, who is attending the conference.
Moyo said Christians and politicians can work well to improve the current situation in the country.
His views were echoed by several other Zimbabweans attending the conference, who noted that they are prepared to help in creating a peaceful environment in Zimbabwe.
