When You Work for the Church

A few months ago, I received an invitation to read and reflect on the latest issue of Anabaptist Witness. The journal had just released a special issue focused on Mission and Peace in Ethiopia, written by Ethiopian pastors.

Editor Jamie Pitts and guest editor Henok T. Mekonin then invited a number of readers to respond. My response appears below and on the Anabaptist Witness Facebook page where you can see all the other responses. You can also support the global church by purchasing a print copy and reading it for yourself. An online version will be made available as a free download from November 2024.

Rosemary Shenk’s article, “Safe Passage,” appears as a Mystery and Wonder blog post that includes a video showing part of a reconciliation ceremony of the Amhara people in Ethiopia, that was facilitated in part by the Meserete Kristos (Mennonite) Church. It’s an inspiring story of peacebuilding in action.

What stood out to you or surprised you as you read through this issue?

Before reading this issue of Anabaptist Witness on Mission and Peace in Ethiopia, my knowledge of Ethiopia was very limited. I knew that the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia was the largest national body in the Mennonite World Conference, and I had read bits of news here and there. But I have never visited Ethiopia. The names of the guest editor and writers for this issue were all new to me. That’s why I accepted the invitation to read and comment on this issue, to take the opportunity to learn.

There were so many things that stood out to me as I read. Basic facts like the many ethnic groups, languages, and dialects, and Ethiopia’s system of ethnic federalism were new to me. These and other background details were explained in the editorial in a straightforward way for readers who might be unfamiliar with Ethiopia as I was.  Yet this was not done in an overly simplified way, and I appreciated the nuance, outlining both the hopes and the realities as the history and present-day experience of Ethiopia has unfolded. 

This richness and complexity is evident throughout the issue. The first few articles are more theological and academic, with Ethiopian writers engaging with Scripture, theology, and with other writers. The articles that follow focus more specifically on the Meserete Kristos Church and its ministry. I was struck by the way the church has responded to the tensions, violence, and polarization in their context, how peacemaking is so vital and so much a part of their mission and gospel message. I appreciated the practical examples and testimonies that show peacemaking in action.

What questions are you left with after finishing reading the journal?

I’m left with two main questions: 

1. What can I/we learn from the church in Ethiopia about peacemaking? I am impressed by the church’s grounding in Scripture and theology, the ongoing dialogue with others, and responsiveness to the particular context of life in Ethiopia. How can we also remain grounded in Scripture and theology, continue in dialogue with others, and respond to our particular context and need for peace?
2. Reading this issue of Anabaptist Witness was eye-opening for me, and I wonder, what else is God doing in other parts of the world that I am missing?