Beginning in the 1950s, Mission Network’s predecessor agencies helped to establish sites of Anabaptist theological expression in Europe through learning and research initiatives like the Paris Mennonite Center. More recently, Mission Network has added work with local congregations and partnered with organizations serving refugee and immigrant populations.
Mission Network’s work in Europe emphasizes Anabaptist theology and practice, peacebuilding, and offering hospitality to people seeking refuge from violence. These ministries align with Mission Network’s broader mission of fostering mutual relationships, supporting local leadership, and sharing Christ’s reconciling love, with a commitment to antiracism and diversity.
Belgium
Mission Network supports the Holy Trinity Brussels Center for Peace and Conflict Transformation, offering a three-level certificate program in peace and conflict transformation in Brussels and online.
France and Spain
Mission Network workers engage in community-based ministries. In France, Joseph and Rachel Givens accompany migrating people at Maria Skobtsova House in Calais. Ben and Laurel Woodward-Breckbill were named directors of the Paris Mennonite Center, uniting ministries in worship, education and hospitality. Mission Network supports the annual Anabaptist theology conference in Spain and partners with the congregation in Burgos on funding the ministries of La Casa Grande, Benin.
Switzerland
In the 1950s, Mennonites from North America helped to establish the European Mennonite Bible School, which became the Bienenberg Theological Seminary in Bienenberg in 1957. Mission Network partners with Swiss and French Mennonites to support a four-year program in Anabaptist and leadership development designed for people who aren’t able to study full-time.
Ukraine
Mission Network supported Mennonite communities in Ukraine in the nineties following the Soviet-era displacement of many Mennonites. We continue relating to Odesa Theological Seminary, which offers theological education to various ecumenical groups in Ukraine.
United Kingdom
Mission Network’s work here began in 1952 with a ministry providing housing for international students. In the 1970s, Mission Network workers collaborated with Christians revitalizing churches in a post-Christian context, leading to the creation of the London Mennonite Centre. It spawned the Anabaptist Mennonite Trust, a governing organization that supports initiatives in church planting, refugee support, and Anabaptist education.
