Andre Gingerich Stoner is director of Holistic Witness for Mennonite Church USA.
One of the significant events at the Mennonite World Conference gatherings was receiving greetings from representatives of the larger body of Christ: Lutherans, Pentecostals, Quakers, the World Council of Churches and others.
This made very real that we as Mennonites do not exist unto ourselves. We are part of the broader body of Christs. We have important gifts to offer, and we also have important gifts to receive. Being in relationship with Christians from other traditions helps us see our blind spots and areas of need as well.
Beyond this, the presence of these brothers and sisters at the Harrisburg gathering helps us see that what we say, how we live, what we do – these things matter and make a difference in the broader church and world.
You can read more about ecumenical conversations and events at the MWC assembly in the following article:
https://themennonite.org/daily-news/ecumenical-relations-mark-mwc-meetings/