2022 Featured Titles
Menno in Athens: A Novel, by Ronald Tiessen
2022. 200 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1926599748
United States: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1926599748 Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1926599748 United Kingdom: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1926599748 Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1926599748 France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1926599748 Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/1926599748 Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/1926599748 Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/1926599748 Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1926599748 Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1926599748 |
An Anabaptist-Mennonite finding a home, not in Jerusalem, but in Athens? Cavorting with ancient pagans? Placing ancient Greek poets and playwrights next to Hebrew prophets? Imagining peacemakers in the heroic age that celebrated prowess in war? And, finding inspiration in the writings of the French mystic, Simone Weil?
Menno in Athens stages such encounters while blending memoir and meditative travelogue where the wisdom of ancient Greece and the tenets of Anabaptism meet. Menno, the narrator, undertakes a pilgrimage to Greece, where he visits sites once home to ancient poets, sages, playwrights, and philosophers. Along the way, an imposing coincidence with Menno’s Anabaptist heritage reveals itself in voices that draw attention to the true cost of violence and discord—voices reiterating an aspiration for peace, and even love. Praise for Menno in Athens "An unlikely modern-day Odysseus, Menno is schooled in the religiosity and pacifism of his conservative rural community in Canada, yet finds himself on a memorable journey through contemporary Greece in search of the wisdom of the Ancients. To his surprise, encounters with an astonishing array of characters foreshadow fundamental norms of his sheltered home community, warn of disintegrating social and political life, and testify to the enduring folly of war that delivers only defeat to victors and vanquished alike. Menno in Athens is a unique, compelling journey of discovery, and the reader’s good fortune is to be along for the ride." –Ernie Regehr Senior Fellow in Defence and Arctic Security at the Simons Foundation Canada, and Research Fellow in the Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo. "This enthralling novel takes us on what might at first seem to be a quixotic pilgrimage to the sites of ancient Greece to validate a vision of how free people can live and thrive in harmony – a vision that two thousand years later found an echo among Anabaptist Mennonites. When the hero, aptly named Menno, leaves the Mennonite town where he grew up he is strenuously warned by his stepfather that he is pursuing false gods. But what Menno unearths in his pilgrimage among the pre-Hellenic Greeks is a record of their scorn, not their celebration, of private wealth and martial glory. And what else but a latter-day version of a polis were those agrarian Mennonite settlements in Russia, Paraguay, or Canada, where small, radically democratic communities could aspire to live a life that was pleasing to God in the midst of warring nations and empires?" –Erwin Wiens Retired professor of English Literature, and author of To Antoine: A Novel (Gelassenheit Publications, 2022). About the Author Ronald Tiessen was raised in a Mennonite family and fellowship outside Leamington, Ontario. His studies brought him to Conrad Grebel College, the University of Waterloo, the University of Windsor, and thereafter to Greece. After studying Ancient Greek history in Athens, he made his home on Pelee Island, the setting of his 2016 novel The Pele’ Harbour for Odd Birds. Following his studies, he retained an unflagging curiosity about ancient Greece and has returned numerous times. Menno in Athens bridges two defining experiences in his life—his Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage and his love for Greece. About the Illustrator Lisa Rollo Kipp is a multimedia artist from Pelee Island, Ontario, whose love for art began at a very early age. The encouragement of her parents and a gifted high school teacher inspired her to continue her exploration of art. She currently enjoys oil painting, pen and ink drawing, and working with found items in nature. |
Spiritual Caregivers in the Hospital: Windows to Competent Practice
Edited by Daniel S. Schipani and Leah D. Bueckert
2022. 348 pp. ISBN 979-888627349-6
United States: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5G63S3G Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B5G63S3G United Kingdom: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B5G63S3G Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0B5G63S3G France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0B5G63S3G Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0B5G63S3G Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0B5G63S3G Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0B5G63S3G Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0B5G63S3G Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B5G63S3G About the Editors Leah D. Bueckert is Case Coordinator with Transitional Living Centres, Inc. She was formerly Spiritual Care Coordinator with the Eastman Health Association in Manitoba, Canada. Daniel S. Schipani is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana, USA |
Even as hospitals increasingly recognize spiritual care as an essential component of holistic care, chaplains are still in the process of defining their role. This book acknowledges and celebrates the unique contribution of hospital chaplains, fosters understanding and support for their work, and seeks to elicit interest in their ministry of spiritual caregiving.
Praise for Spiritual Caregivers in the Hospital "The writers bring together a wealth of conceptual and practical information for those engaged in the challenging ministry of caring for persons in crises. Required reading for any chaplain or spiritual care provider, this book is also an excellent resource for those training professional caregivers." –Teresa E. Snorton, Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District of the CME Church; former Executive Director, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) "This resource addresses the unique contributions of professional chaplains and the foundations and guiding principles that help spiritual care providers respond to specific concerns and difficult issues." –George Abram Neufeld, Retired Provincial Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Manitoba Health "This book fills a gap in the literature of healthcare chaplaincy. A must read for chaplains, it will also be helpful to CPE students and supervisors as well as pastoral theologians." –Mark LaRocca-Pitts, Former Staff Chaplain, Regional Medical Center, Athens, Ga. "Here are the voices of spiritual care providers who have claimed their places as healers in the health care institutions of our countries. Their stories and reflections convey compassion and competence, discerning spirits and deep faith, and an integration of theory and practice." –Glen R. Horst, Retired CPE Teaching Supervisor; Spiritual Care Advisor, Canadian Virtual Hospice "This valuable guide provides tools to empower and assist professional chaplains in articulating their education, training, and contributions to administrators and other members of the multidisciplinary team. It presents an engaging, in-depth overview of the competencies and expertise clinically trained chaplains offer." –Sue Wintz, Retired Staff Chaplain, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz. |
Theology at the Border: Community Peacemaker Teams and the Refugee Crisis in Europe
by Hadje Cresencio Sadje
2022. 109 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1926599755
United States: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1926599756 Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1926599756 United Kingdom: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1926599756 Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1926599756 France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1926599756 Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/1926599756 Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/1926599756 Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/1926599756 Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1926599756 Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1926599756 About the Author Hadje Cresencio Sadje is a visiting research fellow at the University of Vienna, Austria, a visiting fellow at the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre in Canada, an associate member of the SOAS Center for Palestine Studies at the University of London-UK, and a research associate at the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide. Currently, he is a Ph.D. student at the University of Hamburg Germany. |
Following its change in name from Christian Peacemaker Teams to Community Peacemaker Teams, CPT Europe places significant theologically-informed emphases on political, economic, and public policy advocacy. The identity of CPT Europe differs markedly from traditional theological and pastoral approaches, but does not preclude theological interpretations of its work. This booklet explores how CPT Europe’s work can inform a contextually sensitive, socially relevant, and liberating form of Christian faith that is immersed in the everyday lives of people, especially refugee lives. Although it is not solely a Christian organization, the work of CPT rests on a strong theological affirmation of immersion as a concrete approach to doing theology at the borders of this world. The work of CPT Europe shows how theological reflection at the borderland should not remain academic exercise, but instead it ought to emerge in the context of common people, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed. In brief, this booklet argues that theology cannot be done without taking lived realities into account, and it demonstrates this conclusion by showing how CPT Europe provides a paradigm for doing theology – seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching God – at the borderland.
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Making Wars Cease: A Survey of the MCC Peace Section, 1940–1990
by Urbane Peachey
2022. 320 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1926599885
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1926599888 United Kingdom: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1926599888 Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1926599888 France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1926599888 Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/1926599888 Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/1926599888 Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/1926599888 Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1926599888 Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1926599888 Praise for Making Wars Cease "Across five decades, North American Mennonites worked together in the MCC Peace Section to address issues of war and peace and to push boundaries of social justice advocacy. Urbane Peachey’s stance as practitioner, visionary, and critic provides authenticity and depth to this study of twentieth century Mennonite-led efforts, outcomes, and roads not taken. In hindsight, the Peace Section’s aspirations and breadth were remarkable. Peachey’s historical appraisal of this “lively mosaic” is a timely contribution to contemporary debates regarding present-day humanitarian need and grounded ethical response." – Rachel Waltner Goossen, Professor of History, Washburn University "Urbane Peachey draws on both archival documents and his own long experience to remind us of a key part of Mennonite peacemaking work as it developed and matured in the 20th century. MCC Peace Section was sometimes in the foreground but consistently in the background helping Mennonites network with one another and with ecumenical partners to respond to new challenges with growing theological sophistication and practical wisdom. Making Wars Cease will be an indispensable resource to help us continue to remember and learn from that work." – Gerald W. Schlabach, Emeritus Professor of Theology and former chair of Justice and Peace Studies at University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. |
This book is a modest effort to preserve and interpret the half century work and witness of the Mennonite Central Committee Peace Section. The Section was formed by MCC in 1942 and assigned to address “all matters that concerned witness to the nonresistant way of life on behalf of all member groups.” It was organized semi-autonomously, with its own board because of US Selective Service urgencies. The Section was formed in January, 1942, after Mennonites, Quakers and Church of the Brethren had spent half a decade appealing to the U. S. government for exemption of draft age men from military service. Canadian Mennonites served on the MCC board and the Peace Section in the early years, before the formation of MCC Canada in 1963. The book includes perspectives on the organizational issues between MCC Canada and MCC US. Peace Section bi-national was formed in 1974, with full Canadian-U.S. membership. The book includes Canadian perspectives and major roles of Canadian members on the bi-national Section, but only summarizes peace activities of the Canadian Peace and Social Concerns Committee and MCC Canada.
About the Author Urbane Peachey was Executive Secretary of the MCC Peace Section binational from 1975-1986, with a focus on the joined agenda of Canada and the US, including international work. He first served in Mennonite Central Committee as Director of Personnel Services where he coordinated the recruitment, selection and placement of MCC workers, 1960-1969. He served as the MCC country director in Jordan and MCC Representative for Egypt and Lebanon from 1970-75, residing in Jordan and Beirut, Lebanon with his family, just before coming to the Section. After 1986, he changed careers and served as pastor and counselor for 20 years until his retirement in 2005. Peachey holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh's School of International Affairs. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in 1958 with a BA in Sociology. |
Intercessory Prayer and the Communion of Saints: Mennonite and Catholic Perspectives, Edited by Darrin W. Snyder Belousek and Margaret R. Pfeil
2022. 260 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1926599786
Cover design by Meghan Harder United States: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1926599780 Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1926599780 United Kingdom: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1926599780 Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1926599780 France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1926599780 Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/1926599780 Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/1926599780 Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/1926599780 Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1926599780 Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1926599780 |
"This miracle will be one of the bridges between Roman Catholics and Mennonites in an ecumenical point of view," said Pope John Paul II in 2003 on the occasion of the canonization of Joseph Freinademetz, S.V.D. He was speaking of the miraculous healing of Jun Yamada, son of a Japanese Mennonite pastor, through the joint intercessions of Catholics and Mennonites united by faith in Jesus and love of God. That miracle, as John Paul predicted, has inspired ongoing ecumenical friendships, dialogues, and engagements between Mennonite and Catholics, leading to this volume. Moved by this healing story, Bridgefolk, a Mennonite-Catholic ecumenical movement in North America, centered its annual conference in 2015 on that story. Following that conference, the Mennonite Catholic Theological Colloquium convened in 2016 to consider the Christian practice of intercessory prayer and doctrine of the communion of saints from the perspectives of both traditions. This volume collects the presentations from those two events, including the personal and theological reflections of Nozomu Yamada, brother of Jun, and Alfonso Fausone, S.V.D., who initiated the intercessions for Jun.
Praise for Intercessory Prayer and the Communion of Saints "Memory and hope meet mystery and faith in this collection of essays. One family's story of people praying and God healing inspires rich reflections about what it means to belong to God's family, a communion of saints spanning space and time. Conveying helpful historical, theological, and liturgical context about how Mennonites and Catholics approach praying with and/or praying for others, this book will serve theologians, ecumenists, and faith leaders." –Anne McGowan, Assistant Professor of Liturgy, Catholic Theological Union "This book not only tells the story of a miraculous healing, but of a network of relationships that bears witness to transformation, reconciliation, and movement toward the very centre of faith. First there is an astonishing experience of prayer and the communion of saints. Then Catholics and Mennonites together reflect, discuss, and deepen their understanding of prayer and the communion of saints. This is an instructive and inspiring pattern of doing theology in service of the church." –Jeremy M. Bergen, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo |
Menno’s Descendants in Quebec: The Mission Activity of Four Anabaptist Groups 1956 – 2021, by Richard Lougheed
2021. 255 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1926599724
United States: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1926599721 Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1926599721 United Kingdom: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1926599721 Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1926599721 France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/1926599721 Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/1926599721 Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/1926599721 Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/1926599721 Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1926599721 Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1926599721 |
See here for a recent interview with the author in Anabaptist Historians!
"Although this study specifically retraces the missionary history of Mennonites in Quebec, many parallels can be seen with the missionary ventures of other denominations. Thus, this book is a vital contribution for the entire Quebec evangelical movement. In addition the combination of a historical work and a missiological critique is a welcome precedent." – The late Gilles Marcouiller, occupying the Chair of Leadership in Evangelical Protestant Missiology at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of Université Laval. "Richard Lougheed delivers the first historical review of the Anabaptist movement in Québec since 1950. This volume, which provides a quite complete picture accompanied by many pertinent observations and questions, also reads well. It will certainly remain an important reference for some time both for Anabaptist history and for the evangelical movement in Quebec. " – Jean Raymond Théorêt, former Director of the Institut Biblique Laval and chairman of the Board of ÉTEQ. "Finally, a history of Mennonite mission in Quebec is available for English readers. Richard Lougheed has chronicled the stories of each of the four Anabaptist groups whose vision brought them to Quebec during the latter half of the twentieth century, placing it in the context of the sweeping changes of the sixties. With its comparisons among the groups, and insights from Anabaptist mission in France, the book provides an analysis of methods and strategies relevant both for Mennonites and other evangelicals." – Lucille Marr, Adjunct Professor at McGill University. About the Author Grandson and son of United Church pastors, Richard Lougheed also served as pastor of a joint Anglican-United congregation before PhD studies in French Protestantism. He has taught church history in French in Montreal since 1993 at the Faculté de Théologie Évangélique and since 2011 at the École de Théologie Évangélique du Québec. He serves on the Quebec and Canadian Boards of the Mennonite Brethren denomination. His research concentrates on French Protestant history and he is past chair of the Société d'histoire du protestantisme franco-québécois. |
