BIC active in Mennonite World Conference

BIC church leaders from around the world were among the more than 200 participants in a mini-world assembly of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) held March 7-10 in Pasadena, CA. The four day summit touched on issues such as the effect of Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement on Anabaptist worship, the equality of women in African congregations, and partnerships in peacemaking with other denominations. The assembly also adopted a statement of shared beliefs, designed to clearly communicate the convictions of MWC.

Among the most joyous proceedings of the meeting was the acceptance of the Nepal Brethren in Christ Church Society as a full member of MWC. Despite political and social adversity, this network of 21 BIC congregations is thriving, with more than 60 baptisms in 2005 alone.

The assembly also affirmed Danisa Ndlovu, bishop of the Zimbabwe BIC Church, as the president-elect of MWC. Ndlovu currently serves as vice-president of the organization, and will assume the presidency in 2009. “Danisa is a gracious, wise, articulate, and effective leader among the BIC worldwide,” says Warren Hoffman, BIC moderator. “It is exciting to have him represent the BIC in this worldwide forum.”

In addition to MWC business, BIC attendees took advantage of their time together to consider a proposal to enlarge the collaboration of national BIC churches around the world through a group now called the International BIC Association. Thuma Hamukang’andu, bishop of the Zambia BIC Church, was selected as chair of the executive committee. The proposal, which was drawn up by Darrell Winger, general secretary, is intended to foster even stronger partnerships between international church leaders in the future.