A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

) ... we favor representation at the Mennonite World Conference to be held in Switzerland in the summer of 1952. (b) That the district conferences send brethren whom they appoint for this purpose." 39 In 1952 the Mennonite brotherhood from around the world gathered again in Switzerland, this time at St. Crischona near Basel. The main theme for this conference was "The Church of Christ and Her Commission." The following ministers and leaders represented the Mennonite Brethren of North America: C. A. DeFehr (Winnipeg), B. B. Fast (Winnipeg), C. F. Klassen (Abbotsford), H. F. Klassen (Winnipeg), G. Pries (Winkler), J. A. Toews (Winnipeg), J. B. Toews (Reedley), J. W. Vogt (Corn), C. Wall (Mountain Lake.) 40 Four of these brethren presented major addresses and papers. In 1954 the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren reaffirmed its earlier stand on active participation in the work of the MWC. However, the rationale for continued participation does not seem to reflect a desire for mutual sharing and learning. The resolution reads: "That in view of the opportunities, channels, and challenges of giving a positive Evangelical testimony, we again send representatives to the Mennonite World Conference to be held in Karlsruhe, Germany, in COOPERATING WITH OTHER GROUPS 397 46. Editors and Publishers groups at the 1952 Mennonite World Confer- ence, Basel, Switzerland. 1957." 41 Although general attendance at the Sixth Mennonite World Conference was higher than at St. Crischona in 1952, Mennonite Brethren participation was down somewhat — perhaps because the MWC was held in the same year that the General Conference met for its triennial sessions. In 1957 the M.B. General Conference meeting in Yarrow, British Columbia, ratified the constitution and Bylaws of the Mennonite World Conference. The purpose, as given in Article I, clearly reflects the original vision of Christian Neff. 1. The purpose of the Mennonite World Conference is to bring the Mennonites of the world together in regularly recurring meetings of brotherly fellowship. It seeks thereby to strengthen for them the awareness of the world-wide brotherhood in which they stand. 2. By its recurring sessions the Conference seeks, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to deepen the faith, hope, and stimulate and aid it in its ministry of the world, that is, in greater obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the promotion of His kingdom in the world. 42 The Seventh Mennonite World Conference which convened in Kitchener, Ontario, in August, 1962, made history as the largest representative inter-Mennonite gathering ever held. A total of 12,207 persons were registered for the conference. Thousands of others, driving in for several sessions, attended but did not register. A "roll call of nations" showed that at least twenty-five countries were represented, indicating the truly international nature of the conference. In all, at least 500