Previous | Next

Centre for MB Studies news

How to survive in a new culture

by Heinrich Loewen

“Umsielder – Survival in a New Culture” was the title of my lecture at the event of the Mennonite Historical Society of BC on February 21, 2004. The intention of the topic was to make the Mennonites here in Canada more aware of the struggles their brothers and sisters face in Germany. In the first part of the lecture, we dealt with the historical, confessional and cultural background which shaped the DNA of these churches. In the second part, we looked at how they adjusted to the political, economic, social, cultural and religious environment in Germany.

An encouraging fact is that our brothers and sisters in Germany have the largest and fastest growing free churches in Germany. Because if this growth, they have changed the free church landscape in Germany. They have learned how to endure under persecution and now have to find out how to survive in freedom. Although the adjustment to the new culture takes a lot of energy and creates many tensions between the generations, these churches don’t forget to preach the gospel to others. The conservative churches reach out more to their own children and Russian-speaking immigrants in Germany. The progressive churches are more open to reaching out to the native Germans. However, both groups are very active in the former Soviet Union. Their background and their knowledge of the culture and language of these countries make their ministry very successful. Again, the more progressive churches go a step further and reach out beyond their cultural boundaries and Commonwealth of Independent States. They have missionary endeavors in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

Although the Mennonites in Canada left Russia earlier than their brothers and sisters in Germany and have been in a western culture longer than their spiritual and ethnic siblings in Europe, they still struggle with their Russian German DNA. At least, this is my observation after being here in Canada for more than one year. In preparation for my presentation on the topic “How I See the MBs in Canada from a European Perspective”, which I delivered at the Bakerview MB Church in BC on February 22, I spent a lot of time reflecting on our church here in Canada. There are many aspects of our constituency I am glad for and proud of. However, there are some concerns as well.

Most of them have to do with how we treat our spiritual and cultural DNA or heritage. It seems to me that the older generation has more appreciation for what God has done in the past and is proud of being Mennonite or Anabaptist. The younger generation associates with the name Mennonite more a Russian German culture and less an Anabaptist theology. In order to get rid of the ethnic aspects of their parents’ background, the younger people ignore an essential part of their own DNA. By denying the past, they are in danger of losing their theological identity as well. With a weak theological backbone, we are vulnerable for adjusting too much to our culture. If we do it, we will lose the function of salt and light in this world. Older people prefer to look back and younger to look ahead. We need both and each other. In order to be relevant and countercultural, the present generation needs the conversation with the past about the future. “The best prophet of the future is the past!”

Abe Dueck appointed director of the Historical Commission

The Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission has appointed Dr. Abe Dueck of Winnipeg as its next Executive Secretary. Dueck comes to this position following 12 years of service as the Director of the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Winnipeg and over 20 years as Professor and Academic Dean of the former Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg.

The Historical Commission is responsible for fostering historical understanding and appreciation within the Mennonite Brethren Church in the United States and Canada. It coordinates preservation of historical documents, publishes books and audio-visuals and sponsors conferences and symposia related to Mennonite Brethren History.

Previous directors have been Dr. J.B. Toews and until recently Dr. Paul Toews.

Dueck notes that he comes to this position with “a sincere desire to make our history as a church relevant as it seeks to fulfill its mission in the world today.” Dueck begins his new responsibilities in March, 2004.

CMBS director resigns

It is with regret that Cam Rowland, Executive Director, Discipleship Ministries, Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Studies, announced Heinrich Loewen’s resignation from the Centre for MB Studies. Heinrich has accepted the position of President at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF) in Belgium. The ETF is a protestant theological university, which offers degrees (Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D) in theology and religious studies and is accredited by the Belgium government and the European Union. Heinrich will continue his ministry with CMBS until June 30, 2004.

Land dedication for the new Mennonite Brethren Ministry Centre in south Winnipeg, which will include a significant archival section. Jan. 23, 2004. Photo by Conrad Stoesz

Previous | Next