Dec. 14, 2009 issue
I'm not truly Mennonite?
By Hugo SaucedoPage:
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I don’t normally hear, “Why are you Mennonite?” I usually hear, “Are you Mennonite?”
Saucedo
This is an annoying question.
Not because I do not identify with the Mennonite faith. On the contrary, it is because I do identify with the Mennonite faith that I am annoyed.
It is through the Mennonite faith that I learned I must not only teach the gospel, I must live it. Emphasizing peace and justice were radical notions to me.
However, being accepted as truly being Mennonite is a constant struggle. I do not have the advantage of having a Mennonite-sounding surname. I do not have a drop of Swiss, German or Russian blood in my veins.
For me — and many like me who have chosen to be identified as Mennonite and who do not have the traditional lineage — full acceptance into the Mennonite church can be a challenge.
I have traveled around the United States visiting Mennonite congregations, attending leadership conferences and area conference events for over a decade, all the while representing Mennonite-related agencies. Inevitably I get the question. “So, are you Mennonite?”
I tell people I may not be a Miller, but I did marry one. I even speak in acronyms, like MMN and MVS. Despite all of my efforts, I am still asked if I am Mennonite.
My Anglo counterparts never get this question, even though they may not have grown up Mennonite, like I did.
I am concerned. It is becoming obvious to me that to be Mennonite is more of an ethnic and cultural identity than a choice. If this is the case, then I will never be Mennonite, even if I am married to a Miller. The lack of a proper surname or any European lineage rules me out.
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Comments
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I feel the strongest pull from the menonite church , but I fear that my color WOULD be an issue. I am of a cubano . mexicano descent (which oddly enough looks native american) and I really fear the rejection by far. So I have stayed away. I really want to join in , to find my place , but I guess fear is a nasty little beast.
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I have one of those German/Mennonite names. But I totally dislike playing the "Mennonite Game!" Even scripture demonstrates the name game, but clearly Jesus upon His arrival, taught, died and lives again to bring equal access and equal relationship with God. Spiting the veil and permitting open access to the Holiness of God. I pray that all Mennonite people continually work at helping others freely access the Holiness of God and our Anabaptist traditions, and not permit the veil of Mennonite heritage names or culture separate us one from another.
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That would be "Splitting"...the veil... Sorry!
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Originally from Paraguay, where I grew up in Asuncion studying in an MB primary+secondary school, member of an MB Church since I'm 13, married to a Froese... sometimes I feel the same. And I just ignore it! :)
The good thing about all this is that as I live in Montreal, Quebec I dont live that too often, as there are not many Mennonites in the region.
I love the anabaptist principles and teachings.
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Even though I am not a minority I have had the same feelings of being a "gentile" among the Mennonites! I think it blocks the feeling of belongingness or community, especially among those who are not already supremely confident in their own identity. It's a shame. nuff said.
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