Anabaptism’s 500th anniversary: A global celebration of faith and history

A radical religious movement with deep implications for FPU experienced a radical celebration last spring.

“The Courage to Love: Anabaptism@500,” commemorated the 500th anniversary of the birth of Anabaptism, which is considered May 29, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland. The Anabaptist movement, part of the radical wing of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, led to the creation of the Mennonite Brethren denomination, which sponsors FPU, along with other Mennonite, Brethren and Amish groups.

Attending from FPU were President André and First Lady Beth Stephens; Alison R. Noble, Ph.D., provost/senior vice president of academic affairs, and husband Nick; Laura Schmidt Roberts, Ph.D., professor of biblical and theological studies and director of general education, and husband Mark; and Tim Geddert, Ph.D., emeritus professor of New Testament at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and member of the FPU Board of Trustees, and wife Gertrud.

“This experience reinforced that the Anabaptist story is far broader than what we often see in North America. It’s a global movement rooted in the spiritual convictions of peacemaking, reconciliation and discipleship. 

In a time of division and uncertainty, this gathering was a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of those principles,” 

President Stephens said.

During the Reformation, many of Anabaptism’s beliefs were illegal and adherents suffered persecution and martyrdom. These beliefs included believer’s or adult baptism based on a personal commitment to Jesus; the separation of church and state; nonviolence and refusal of military service; and the right of everyone to read and interpret the Bible.

In addition to workshops and panel discussions, participants enjoyed Anabaptist historical sites around Zurich. “There was a guided tour of many of the important original sites where martyrs were drowned and where the city council met to make decisions about these things,” Geddert said.

A focal point of the celebration, sponsored by Mennonite World Conference, was joint worship among Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and Anabaptist Christians. “I was struck by the ecumenical nature of the culminating worship service,” Schmidt Roberts said.

Stephens agreed. “Worshiping alongside people from every corner of the globe felt like a foretaste of Heaven. One of the most impactful moments was a portion of the service dedicated to reconciliation with other denominations—it was sobering and hopeful,” he said.

“This was an amazing opportunity to get a glimpse of the global church,” Beth Stephens said. “It was encouraging to come together with siblings in Christ from across the world—including Congo, Canada, Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Albania, Paraguay and Colombia.”