Wil LaVeist, Mennonite Mission Network senior executive of advancement, presented the workshop “Afrocentric Anabaptists: Black Experiences in the Mennonite Church” during Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s conference for Pastors & Leaders 2025 | Anabaptism at 500: Looking Back, Living Forward.
LaVeist is working on a Mission Network documentary series in connection with the Mennonite World Conference’s recognition and celebration of the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism — Anabaptism at 500. The documentary explores the relationship between mission outreach and the growth of Anabaptism among Africans, African Americans and Afro-Latinos.
During the workshop, LaVeist shared a common opinion that White missionaries, particularly those from past centuries, supported western colonialism, which left lasting scars and cultural devastation that is still felt in communities of color today. Though there is truth in this critique, this version of history does not tell the complete story. It is also true that Mennonite missionary outreach helped re-introduce the gospel in Africa, birthplace to some of the world’s earliest Christian communities. For example, the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia is the largest Mennonite church in the world, with 500,700 members as of March 3, 2025.
Traditional church history says that St. Mark preached in Alexandria, Egypt, in 42 A.D. and historical evidence proves that by the second century, Alexandria had become a major center of Christian learning.
Christianity and Christian churches flourished in parts of Africa long before they were established in Europe. In other parts of Africa, Christianity, and especially the initial growth of Anabaptist churches, can be attributed to European and North American missionaries.
LaVeist interviewed more than 30 Black leaders in Mennonite denominations and organizations, ranging in age, gender and nationalities, in places like Belize, Colombia, Ethiopia, and the United States. The documentary’s emphasis is on individuals speaking from their personal experiences yet weaving in common Afrocentric themes. LaVeist highlighted the contributions that the interviewees say their vibrant cultures have brought to the Anabaptist movement, as they joyfully express their faith within their distinct cultural frameworks.
LaVeist described common themes that emerged from the interviews:
- Adaptation and respect for culture – integrating Anabaptism into their cultural context
- Community engagement
- Church planting
- Theology – identifying more as Anabaptist than Mennonite and its peace witness
- Racism – anti-Blackness as a worldwide phenomenon
The workshop offered valuable insights for fostering positive cross-cultural relationships grounded in mutual respect, with the aim of deepening appreciation and celebrating the diverse racial and cultural threads that have enriched Anabaptism.
Two years in the making, LaVeist’s goal is to show a preview of the documentary series during the 2025 Mennonite Church USA Convention “Follow Jesus” in July in Greensboro, N.C. The first episode, Afrocentric Anabaptists, will be available for viewing by December 2025, and will include a companion study guide for schools and congregations.
In addition to Mission Network support, the project has received generous financial support from Mennonite Central Committee, Schowalter Foundation, Inc. and individual donors. Continued financial support is appreciated. To donate to Afrocentric Anabaptist visit Donate – Mennonite Mission Network.
