A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

to this unreasonable accusation the Brethren declared that they had no intention of forming secret societies; their only desire was to lead souls to Christ and organize a church in a peaceful way. Reaction of Colonial Inspector When Friesen realized that he could not frighten the Brethren into submission by his tactics, he ordered the three deputies to appear before Inspector Andrea, a member of the Supervisory Commission. The Inspector used subtle diplomacy to achieve his end. He expressed sympathy with the intentions of the Brethren to organize their own church. According to Becker, he assured them that religious freedom existed for all organized churches in Russia. However, a new fellowship would need to secure permission to organize before it could receive government sanction and approval.' 0 The Inspector expressed his willingness to assist them in procuring the necessary documents, on the condition that they would promise to refrain from any further steps in organizing a new church until they had received express permission from the higher authorities. The Brethren Claassen, Cornelsen and Koop signed the prepared statement on February 10, 1860. Claassen later recalled, that before he reached home it dawned on him that this had been a foolish move, for the government would never grant such permission." He resolved never again to ask for permission to organize, but only to request recognition of, and rights for an existing church. In discussing this matter with the group at home, the Brethren came to the conclusion that the pledge made by them could not be binding for the whole fellowship, since it did not as yet constitute an organized church. The members of the little flock, nevertheless, were deeply grieved by this incident, since it barred the three Brethren, who had signed the pledge, from taking an active part in the organization and leadership of the group. It was during these crucial days, according to Harms, that many other brethren renounced their membership in the "old" church and joined the new movement, for "they would rather suffer tribulation with the seceders, than to participate in the persecution of God's children." 12 Interpretation of Secession It is interesting, though somewhat ironical, that after the summary indictment by church and state officials, the process of gathering more THROUGH STORM AND STRESS 41 information about the new movement began. At the special request of Inspector Andrea, David Friesen, the Colony Administrator, sent a questionnaire to all elders on March 5, 1860. It contained the following questions: 1. What is the essential nature of this new religious movement? 2. What harmful effects could it have for the Mennonite Brother- hood? 3. What measures must be taken for the dissolution of this group? 13 The Majority Report All elders were asked to appear in person in the Colony Administra- tive Office on March 11 to present their answe