Anabaptism
Overview
Anabaptism is a family of Radical Reformation traditions associated with discipleship, believer's baptism, voluntary church membership, peace witness, and communal practices.
History
It arose in sixteenth-century Central Europe and developed into Mennonite, Amish, Hutterite, Brethren, and other streams.
Beliefs and emphases
Many Anabaptist communities stress following Jesus in daily life, a gathered church, nonviolence, reconciliation, mutual aid, and separation from coercive uses of religion; the exact emphases differ among groups.
Worship and practice
Worship practices range from plain and local to contemporary, often with strong communal participation and simple ordinances.
Organisation and life
Structures are typically congregational, conference-based, communal, or elder-led depending on the stream.