In this so-called 'Post Modern' age, Christians dig into the past seeking the roots of reality, practice and belief. A study of 16th Century persecuted Anabaptists takes us to the beliefs they were willing to die for.
Theirs was a conviction that being a Christian meant seriously following the teachings of Jesus, to be radically discipled to Him and to one another. The cutting-edge of Jesus' teachings, and particularly of the Sermon on the Mount, were earthed in their lives, relationships and witness. This stark Christian practice lies in contrast to the spiritualising and 'other worldliness of the Gospel message that marks areas of church practice in their day and ours.
Perhaps the movement is best known for their commitment to peacemaking and reconciliation. At this stage in the life of humanity on our planet, we see the need to come to grips with the message of the Prince of Peace. The wars of our recent past, and the current conflicts raging in our present have seen the resurgence of interest in non-violent means to bring about change.
"The call of the church to live out these values brings it into sharp contrast to politics of injustice and to alignment with the marginalised and the poor." The church must always be free of entanglements that blur or compromise our Gospel stance. This was the stand that brought the early Anabaptists into collision with a church that had become enmeshed with the state.
The Anabaptist Association of Australia and New Zealand is an organisation seeking to network and resource those across the church interested in seeing Anabaptist ideals enrich the church of our day.
A conference is to be held at Whitley College, Parkville, Melbourne 25th to 28th January 2001. Speakers will include Marita Munro, Gordon Preece, Ross Langmead and Mark and Mary Hurst who will cover topics to do with the theme -
"Peacemaking, Reconciliation and Mission"
Melbourne Conference 25-28 January 2001
"Peacemaking, Reconciliation and Mission"
Anabaptism for the 21st Century Church
Whitley College, Melbourne
Key leaders in the Church together will provide historical, biblical and spiritual perspectives of Anabaptism. The conference provides a unique opportunity for Christians across the church to come together to consider how these influences can shape the future of the life and mission of the Australian church.
Thursday 25.1.2001
6.30 pm Registration
7 pm - Historical Basis for Anabaptism - Marita Munro - Lecturer at Whitley College
Friday 26.1.2001
9.30 am Biblical Basis for Anabaptism -Gordon Preece -
Lecturer in Ethics & Practical Theology; Director, Centre of Applied Christian Ethics, Ridley College, University of Melbourne.
11 am Anabaptist Perspectives for Peacemaking - Mark and Mary Hurst -
Pastoral workers with AAANZ
Free afternoon for Australia Day activities or sightseeing
7.30 pm Anabaptist Perspectives for Mission - Ross Langmead -
Director of the School of World Mission and teaches mission studies at Whitley College.
Saturday 27.1.2001 WORKSHOPS
9.30 am
Anabaptist Spirituality
Peace and Justice at work in Australia
Conflict in the Church setting
What is a Peacemaker?
7.30 pm Tim Costello, Peacemaking, Reconciliation & Mission,
Sunday 28.1.2001 MORNING CHURCH SERVICES
10 am Collins Street Baptist Church, 174 Collins Street, CBD
10 am Truth and Liberation Concern, 265 Bayswater Road, North Bayswater
Both of these services will highlight Anabaptism
