Mennonites are a protestant denomination that traces back to the days of Martin Luther and arose in Germany, the Netherlands, the Alsace and Switzerland at the beginning of the 16th century. Like other protestant churches, they emphasised the believer’s direct access to Scripture, and implemented simpler forms of church services than was customary at the time.

Early Mennonites and Anabaptists were called the radical reformers, distinguished by their view that belief in God was the result of a personal process and a conscious decision of the individual. For this reason, Mennonites baptise adults rather than infants. Members are encouraged to follow the principle of non-violence. Other principles include: participation of all believers, thus reducing the gap between clergy and laypeople; and a simple life style, of sharing and prayer. According to some historians, the Anabaptist movement was a precursor to modernity in its call for separation of church and state, which was rejected. The name Mennonite derives from a Dutch priest, Menno Simons, who was an Anabaptist leader in the Reformation.

(Source : Editions Mennonites)