A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

rs. On the designated day the aforementioned five elders responded in a written statement, a summary of which follows. 1. The Nature of their erroneous views: a) A one-sided interpretation of Scripture, coupled with the claim that their understanding and application of Scripture passages is the only true interpretation — hence they are not open to instruction. b| A disrespect for church order and organization, as seen, for instance, in their observance of communion in private homes. c) A presumptuous attitude, considering themselves to be the only true Christians. 2. The Consequences for the Mennonite Brotherhood: a) The nature of their secession shows that a peaceful coexistence with them would be impossible. b) The permission to organize a new church would result in disorder, and promote fanaticism (Schwaermerei). c) The intermarriage of our members with theirs would lead to lamentable rifts in family relationships. d) The agitation of the seceding members would draw other "innocent and well-meaning" people into the movement. 3. The Means to be taken against the movement: We cannot give our permission for the formation of a new church. Since we have done our best to dissuade them from the error of their way, though without success, we have submitted this matter to the Colony Administrative Office. We do not think it is within our jurisdiction to recommend to "worldly authorities" the nature of their further treatment or punishment, but request that "moderate measures be used to bring these erring ones to a knowledge of their guilt — before ultimate steps are taken." " The statement was signed on behalf of all (saemtlichen) church elders, even though Bernhard Fast (Ohrloff) could not attend for reasons 42 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH of health, and Johann Friesen {Kleine Gemeinde) was also absent. When Elder Fast received the statement for his signature, he refused to sign because of insufficient information about the movement. In his preliminary reply to the Colony Administrative Office he also insisted that elder Johann Friesen of the Kleine Gemeinde be contacted, since the Inspector (Andrea) desired an explanation from all church elders. "From now on Ohrloff became the protector of the Brethren until their ultimate triumph." 16 The Minority Report Fortunate for the cause of the Brethren, the elders of Ohrloff and Neukirch [Kleine Gemeinde) did not concur with the majority report of the five elders. The elder of the Kleine Gemeinde, Johann Friesen, no doubt conscious of the severe struggle for recognition of his own group some thirty years earlier, responded to the request with extreme caution. In a letter dated March 24, 1860, he asked that no political means be employed against the movement, but if necessary, church discipline be practiced according to Paul's teaching in 2 Thessalonians 3:14. 16 Of much greater significance in this encounter with the auth