In Grebel's Footsteps

As rain seeped into clothes and muddy rivulets ran down the path, 31 Grebel alumni and friends were taking a slippery hike into the mountains of Bäretswil, Switzerland. Their destination was a hidden cave known as the “Täuferhöhle,” where Anabaptists once worshipped in secret. In the dim, damp cavern, the group sang hymns and shared a meaningful communion service, breaking bread with others who had also made the trek.

This memorable afternoon was part of a twelve-day tour of Anabaptist sites in Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, organized by Tourmagination. Led by Grebel faculty members Troy Osborne and David Neufeld, other trip highlights included the hidden Singel church in Amsterdam, the tower where Dirk Willems was imprisoned in Asperen, Menno Simons’ hometown in Witmarsum, and numerous churches and cathedrals. Another meaningful stop was the site of Conrad Grebel’s family home in Zurich.

On the final day, the group gathered with approximately 3500 Anabaptists from across the globe at a day-long celebration organized by Mennonite World Conference to mark the 500th anniversary of the first adult baptism. Activities included workshops, musical performances, panel discussions, walking tours, and archival displays. The day culminated with a worship service at the Grossmünster church that was livestreamed to other locations in the city and around the world. Titled “The Courage to Love,” the worship service focused on reconciliation and featured favourite music from different countries, a “radical disruption,” a footwashing ceremony, a letter from the pope, and a litany. As the crowds left the church, bells pealed around them in joyful cacophony.