A Shared Mission for Scholarship
In 2025, two highly esteemed Mennonite academic journals, The Conrad Grebel Review (CGR) and Mennonite Quarterly Review (MQR) announced plans to partner on a new multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open-access publication devoted to advancing the study of Anabaptist and Mennonite history, theology, life, and culture. By combining resources, expertise, and scholarly communities, the new journal creates space for conversation across institutions and disciplines. The last issue of CGR was published in May 2025, and the final issue of MQR, volume 100, was published in January 2026.
This new venture is supported by Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana; Grebel in Waterloo, Ontario; and Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. “From the earliest days of floating the idea of a new journal, it quickly became clear that there is a common mission among Mennonite institutions for studying Mennonite and Anabaptist history and thought,” explained Grebel Professor Troy Osborne, who was Dean during the merger and leads the transition process along with Beverly Lapp (Dean at AMBS) and Ann Vendrely (Dean at Goshen). “The passion for the topic arises out of a shared sense that this might potentially nurture our supporting constituencies and congregations and not simply be an academic exercise.”
Plans for the inaugural issue of the new journal, recently named Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies Review (AMSR), are already underway, with publication planned for winter 2027. “As an editor, it is tremendously rewarding to read the wide range of submissions from established and emerging scholars,” said Grebel Professor Jeremy Bergen, who is part of the editorial team, along with Professors Jamie Pitts (AMBS), Breanna Nickel (Goshen), and Jo-Ann Brant (Goshen) (retiring in December). “I get a preview of new light being shed on all aspects of Anabaptist and Mennonite history, culture, and theology, while also having a role in shaping these articles to most effectively highlight their particular contributions. There is a lively scholarly ecosystem that this journal will both reflect and help to flourish in new ways,” he said.
The collaboration serves both scholarly and practical purposes. “Given the complexities and the costs of publishing a peer-reviewed academic journal, it is really only viable if institutions work together,” said Jeremy. “I also believe that partnership among Mennonite institutions in the U.S. and Canada is one way to counter the divisiveness being expressed by political leaders.”
“Working with other scholars and institutional leaders in embodying this shared mission through the launching of the new journal has been incredibly satisfying personally and professionally,” added Troy.
A new logo and website are under development. Submissions are welcome.
