Fresno Pacific University celebrates the past and future of Anabaptism

Five centuries of faith, community and reconciliation-and their place in the future-will be celebrated January 22, 2025, at Fresno Pacific University.

This year is the 500^th anniversary of Anabaptism, a movement that began when a small group of Christians secretly gathered for worship in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 21, 1525. These believers decided to be voluntarily baptized as adults, resulting in imprisonment and even death. Their particular vision of discipleship that followed in the way of Jesus has inspired many generations that followed.

Believers rejected infant baptism, military service and the official connection of church and state. The essence of Anabaptism is: "Jesus is the center of our faith, community is the center of our life and reconciliation is the center of our work," according to author and educator Parker Palmer.

Anabaptism's history and its relevance for today will be the focus of two events on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno:

• Chapel
  Brian Schulz, Ph.D.
  10:00 a.m.
  Sus V Lyles Lyles Theater, Warkentine Culture & Arts Center
  Free event - No ticket required
• Anabaptist Community Luncheon
  Valerie Rempel, Ph.D.
  11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  BC Lounge
  Open to local church and community members
  Free event - Registration required
  Seating is limited so register early.
  Make reservations at fpu.edu/anabaptism500. RSVP deadline January 17, 2025.

Speakers and sponsors

Valerie Rempel, Ph.D., has been director of accreditation for the Association of Theological Schools since 2021. In 2019 she became vice president and dean of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary (FPBS), part of FPU, after becoming a faculty member in 1996 and dean in 2014. Rempel was also associate professor and J.B. Toews Chair of History and Theology and director of the Center for Anabaptist Studies. She has served the Anabaptist community locally, nationally and globally as a scholar and leader. Rempel has an M.A. from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (now FPBS), and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.

Brian Schulz, Ph.D., is professor of biblical and theological studies at FPU.

Events are hosted by Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, in collaboration with the Council of Senior Professionals and the Center for Anabaptist Studies. Cheryl Dueck Smith, D.A., is director of the Center for Anabaptist Studies and assistant professor of marriage and family therapy at the seminary.

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