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Landscapes of war, a people of peace

Jonathan Seiling, right, consults with Carol Penner, pastor of The First Mennonite Church, Vineland, Ont. on a recent historic tour. (Photo by Melissa Seiling)

The War of 1812 is important to commemorate for many reasons. As the only defensive war fought on Canadian soil in the last two centuries, it was also the first testing of the historic peace churches' position of conscientious objection in Canadian history.

Suspicious hospitality: Feds reduce health coverage for refugees

Some 150 people gathered in front of city hall, Kitchener, Ontario, Monday evening, June 18, to protest and sign petitions against reduced health care for refugees. (Photo by Dick Benner)

According to the UN, there are now 10.5 million refugees who have been forced to flee their countries due to conflict, natural disaster or persecution. About 25,000 of these people are allowed to settle in Canada each year, but Mennonite refugee advocates say Canada's posture toward these people is changing.

Stouffville counters with peace at 1812 parade

Peace church members gather at the settlement site on Main Street, where an historical marker notes that Abraham and Elizabeth Reesor-Stouffer settled the town. MCC's Care and Share Thrift shop is in the background. --Photo by Peter Kear

Some 60 Mennonites, Quakers and Brethren in Christ members, including seniors and children, gathered for a peace church testimony Saturday, June 16, during Stouffville’s commemoration of the War of 1812, complete with a parade of Governor General’s Horse Guard, reports Arnold Neufelt-

Kraybill president-elect of MWC

Church leaders pray for J. Nelson Kraybill, new president-elect of Mennonite World Conference. From left are Danisa Ndlovu of Zimbabwe, MWC president; Kraybill; Ervin Stutzman, Mennonite Church USA executive director; and Janet Plenert of Canada, MWC vice president. — photo by Merle Good/MWC

It took three impromptu songs to count the ballots and confirm the results, but Anabaptist leaders from around the world elected J. Nelson Kraybill president-elect of Mennonite World Conference at MWC General Council meetings May 20-27.

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