The Hispanic Mennonite Church will hold a virtual 2025 Mennonite Biennial Assembly on August 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
by Adriana Celis for MenoTicias, translated and reprinted with permission.
In 2025, the Hispanic communities that make up the Mennonite Church in the United States are facing a profoundly challenging reality due to the tightening of immigration policies under the current administration. These policies have created an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability that directly affects congregations. This tense climate has not only led to a decrease in attendance at services, but it has also had a devastating emotional, spiritual, and economic impact—especially on families with children.
Churches now face an ethical and pastoral dilemma: how can they continue being spaces of welcome and refuge without exposing their people to harm? Some congregations have moved their services online, sacrificing the warmth of in-person fellowship in order to protect their members.
However, they have discovered that necessity fosters creativity: new forms of care, solidarity, and accompaniment are emerging. This crisis has awakened a stronger spirit of collaboration, crossing denominational and cultural boundaries, and reinforcing the conviction that caring for immigrants is a central calling of the Gospel.
MenoTicias had the opportunity to speak with Pastor Sergio Nava, part of the pastoral team at Resplandece Church (Pembroke Pines, FL, Colombia, and hybrid), who shared some of the challenges they are currently facing.
The 2025 Biennial: Discerning Wisely and Acting with Love
Precisely because of this context, the 2025 Mennonite Biennial Assembly takes on a special significance. This event, held every two years, brings families of faith together to share, learn, make key decisions, and renew their commitment to God’s mission.
Now more than ever, faith communities need a space to gather. However, after deep pastoral discernment and considering current risks—raids, unrest, surveillance—the Executive Board decided to postpone the in-person gathering that was to be held in Dallas, TX. Instead, they will hold a virtual Biennial on August 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern Time), with a one-hour break.
Far from being discouraged, they believe that virtual gatherings do not limit the Spirit’s movement. They hope this Assembly will be a profound space for prayer, formation, and renewal of Hispanic leadership. They are not victims of the system; they are sons and daughters of the King, called to plant the Kingdom of God with creativity, courage, and faith—regardless of the format.
What Do We Need to Learn… and Unlearn?
Nava shares that this moment is also an opportunity to question their dependencies, rethink strategies, and trust more radically in the God who sustains them. They need to unlearn the idea that their success depends solely on others. It is time to cultivate a spirituality that renews hope and pushes them to bear one another’s burdens, as taught in Galatians 6:2.
They also need to unlearn discouragement. While they are facing complex theological and social challenges, they cannot fall into resignation. It is necessary to return to the Word, to the voice of God, which remains a sure guide in uncertain times.
Why Participate? Because It’s Our Home, Our Voice, Our Mission
Nava says the invitation to every individual, congregation, and leader in the Hispanic Mennonite Church to register (stay tuned for new information and login link) and actively participate in the 2025 Biennial is not just about sharing information. It’s about influencing decisions, strengthening networks, praying together, and discerning the next steps with clarity.
On a personal level, Pastor Nava says the Assembly renews spiritual encouragement. On a congregational level, it strengthens their bonds and mission. On a denominational level, it ensures the prophetic voice of Latino communities is heard and contributes to building a more diverse, compassionate, and faithful Church—true to the message of Jesus.
This is a time to remember, to lift our eyes, and to move forward—trusting that the God of justice and mercy continues to walk with us.
Adriana Celis
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)