The Mennonite World Conference will mark the 500th anniversary of the first believers’ baptisms in Zurich with a major event titled The Courage to Love: Anabaptism@500 on May 29, 2025. The event will bring together church leaders, theologians and guests from around the world to celebrate five centuries of Anabaptist witness — a tradition rooted in courage, faith and a radical commitment to love.

The World Communion of Reformed Churches, an international fellowship of Reformed churches, expressed its support and congratulations in a message from its general secretary, the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi.

“We rejoice with you and thank God for the 500 years of committed witness of Christians from the Anabaptist tradition,” Nyomi said.

Nyomi also acknowledged the difficult history shared between Reformed and Anabaptist churches.

“As Reformed Christians, we are very aware that the perseverance of the Anabaptist churches took place against fierce resistance from other Christian churches,” he said. “As Reformed Christians, we acknowledge that we have largely suppressed the memory of the persecution of the Anabaptists. We confess that this persecution was, according to our present conviction, a betrayal of the Gospel.”

The communion welcomes the Mennonite World Conference’s invitation to engage in a journey of mutual understanding and reconciliation. This commitment will be formally expressed in a joint statement to be issued at the Zurich event, titled Restoring Our Family to Wholeness: Seeking a Common Witness.

“In this statement, we remember our common roots in the Zurich Reformation and try to reconnect to what we have in common,” Nyomi said. “Despite our troubled history and the remaining differences, we believe that we have a sound foundation that allows us to witness together in a world that is yearning for peace and justice.”

Hanns Lessing, executive secretary for communion and theology at WCRC, also reflected on the significance of the upcoming event.

“We encourage congregations to use the upcoming resource as we commemorate the history and reconciliation between our churches,” Lessing said. “This is an opportunity to reflect on our shared past and to renew our commitment to a common Christian witness rooted in justice, peace and love.”

These anniversary celebrations come at a time when ecumenical relationships and reconciliation efforts are more important than ever. The World Communion of Reformed Churches continues to support member churches in their pursuit of justice, peace and unity.

As the events unfold in Zurich, the global Christian community will witness a powerful reminder of the enduring faith and resilience that have defined the Anabaptist witness for five centuries.