Who is MWC?

World Directory
  *World Map 2003

World Assembly: Africa 2003
  *Photo Tour

General Council, Executive Committee, Commissions

Global Youth Summit

Global Mission Fellowship

Program Plan 2006-2009

World Fellowship Sunday

Publications

News Releases

How can you participate?

New-and-Old Name — Clearer Purpose

ICOMB is now officially the "International Community of Mennonite Brethren." At its annual meeting June 17-20, 2007 — this year located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — the 13 delegates from around the world decided on a new identifier.

The "C" stood for "Committee" since 1988, when MBMS International created ICOMB as a global fellowship. ICOMB members wanted to reflect the growing fellowship and ability to express that globally through specific events and programs. Yet at the same time they wished to keep the "ICOMB" acronym which is understood — even used like its own word — in every conference and every language.

"Community" — which translates into some other languages quite well — seemed to fit the best biblically and culturally as well. Victor Wall, Executive Secretary, quoted an African proverb: "One finger cannot wash your face." He said, "This expresses who we are, growing in our effort to exist and work together."

In other actions, ICOMB received the report of the findings team at the first ever global higher education consultation. The group discussed the universal felt need for schools and the church to work closely together to accomplish God’s mission for us. Papers and findings will be posted on the Fresno Pacific University website.

Elections were also held. Damien Pelende, leader of the Congo MB conference, was elected vice-chair and David Wiebe, leader of the Canadian MB conference, was re-elected secretary. Ernesto Wiens will continue his term as chair.

A commentary on the ICOMB Confession of Faith will be released in early 2008 for study in the churches. Plans for celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren movement in 2010 were developed.

MBMS International brought its annual report. Randy Friesen, Director told of an emerging group of about 30,000 members in Laos, founded by a Mennonite Brethren pastor from the US MB Conference. They are looking for official status in Laos and ICOMB delegates asked Randy to represent the fellowship to them as a possible umbrella organization for them. They already are using the ICOMB Confession of Faith.

The ICOMB delegates greatly appreciated Congolese hospitality which was generous and gracious amidst conditions in a country struggling to regain strength after years of civil war.