Lutherans Seek Forgiveness for Persecution of Anabaptists

By By Joshua A. Goldberg
mennonite-world-conference-president-danisa-ndlovu-of-zimbabwe.jpg
Mennonite World Conference President Danisa Ndlovu of Zimbabwe, right, presents Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Bishop Mark. S. Hanson with a pine foot-washing tub as a sign of commitment to a future LWF / Erick Coll

The 11th Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation approved a statement on Thursday calling on Lutherans to express their regret and sorrow for past actions against Anabaptists and asking for forgiveness.

Bishop Mark S. Hanson, president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), described the move as “the most significant legacy” that will be left by the assembly – the federation’s highest decision-making body.

“We will not just look back; we will also look towards together to God’s promised future,” he added.

In the statement, titled “Action on the Legacy of Lutheran Persecution of Anabaptists,” the assembly repented for violent persecution of Anabaptists and for the ways in which Lutheran reformers supported persecutions with theological arguments.

The statement asks for forgiveness “from God and from our Mennonite sisters and brothers” for past wrongdoings and the ways in which Lutherans subsequently forgot or ignored this persecution and have continued to describe Anabaptists in misleading and damaging ways.

In response to the statement, the Rev. Dr Danisa Ndlovu, president of the Mennonite World Conference, delivered an emotion-filled address to the assembly, confessing that Mennonites were painfully aware of their own inadequacy.

In a symbolic act of reconciliation and servanthood, Ndlovu presented Hanson with a wooden foot-washing tub, saying that it represented the Mennonites’ commitment to a future “when the distinguishing mark of Lutheran and Anabaptist-Mennonite relationships is boundless love and unfailing service.”

“It is in our vulnerability to one another that God’s miraculous, transforming and reconciling presence is made visible in the world,” he stated.

In accepting the gift, Hanson said, “In this and so many other ways, we will continue to follow [the Mennonite] example, and in this most significant day in our life there may be no more public example of reconciliation.”

The LWF’s 11 Assembly, which has been gathered since Tuesday in Stuttgart, Germany, concludes their once-every-six-years meeting this coming Tuesday.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories