Activism, protests
Historically, Mennonites have been uncomfortable with any involvement with the government beyond obeying laws. However, a renewed passion for peace and justice issues has prompted a movement towards speaking out for causes we feel strongly about. With the arrival of the peaceful protests during the Civil Rights Movement, Mennonites began feeling more comfortable joining certain causes. Conservative groups still generally refrain from making any sort of political statement, but others have become increasingly involved with certain issues—particularly peace and justice issues. Some consider abortion a peace and justice issue. Some, for a number of years also conscientiously object to paying war taxes.
MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) currently operates offices in New York and Washington, D.C., where staff work to keep Mennonites informed and to encourage our national and world leaders to consider peaceful alternatives to conflict and to provide a voice for those with whom we work around the world.
MCC United Nations Liaison Office
Mennonite Church USA has also developed the Peace and Justice Support Network; its mission is to “proclaim and promote God’s desire for justice (Micah 6:8), Christ’s call to peacemaking (Matthew 5:9), and the Spirit’s reconciling work (Ephesians 2:11-22).”
See also FAQ: What do Mennonites believe about speaking to government and involvement in politics?
