Being part of a global family is important; that’s why the Canadian Conference of MB Churches is a member conference of ICOMB—the
International Community of Mennonite Brethren. Through ICOMB, Mennonite Brethren church conferences from around the world can join together as fellow MB believers and be part of a like-minded international family, united in both mission and ministry. ICOMB was launched in 1990 and currently has 18 member conferences.
The idea for ICOMB was actually first born through MBMS International in Brazil in 1988 as a supporting structure for worldwide Mennonite Brethren conferences to connect with and relate to each other and to create a sense of international community. ICOMB was officially launched during the 1990 Mennonite World Conference assembly held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in order to serve as the global fellowship for all worldwide Mennonite Brethren conferences.
“ICOMB isn’t a decision-making body,” writes editor Laura Kalmar in the April 2008 edition of
MB Herald. “It’s one that attempts to provide communication and unity among MBs around the world.”
Just as the Communications ministry of the Canadian Conference aims to enhance communication and create a sense of community between local churches within the conference, so does ICOMB aim to improve communication and develop a sense of community between all Mennonite Brethren conferences of the world. ICOMB also provides a framework for the examination of shared inter-conference concerns and issues as well as a forum for encouragement and support.
As part of its
Global Confession of Faith (2004), ICOMB believes in and upholds baptism for confessed believers, communion through the Lord’s Supper, accountability of the global church, local churches, and all believers, and the priesthood of all believers for building up the body of Christ. ICOMB has also undertaken a centennial celebration of MB mission (1999) and a Consultation on Higher Education (2007).
There are currently 18 Mennonite Brethren conferences from 15 countries around the world that are members of ICOMB.
As the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, we recognize how important it is to be part of an international family united in matters of faith, ethics, leadership, education, mission, ministry, and vision. That’s why we’re proud to be a part of ICOMB. We recognize our need to take advantage of our “global citizenship” so that we can do our part to help strengthen the Mennonite Brethren community at large.
