Old Order Mennonite

The term Altmennoniten or Alt- Mennonites (English: Old Order Mennonites Mennonites ≈ old regulations ) includes those conservative Mennonite communities Swiss- southwest German origin, which have formed in the last third of the 19th century from opposition to increasing Anglicization and modernization of North American Mennonites.

History

During the 19th century, many Mennonite communities in North America had gone over to the English language. There were also strong influences of North American revival movements. Many communities had opened for modern forms of worship. The Sunday schools spread. This development came increasingly to contradict traditional Mennonites who understood the language and cultural change, especially as a threat to their ethno- religious identity. The events of the American Civil War 1861-1865 played a role here. So it was in 1872 establishing a plurality of separate communities, which are now summarized as Altmennoniten.

The Altmennoniten today consist of several regional conferences. A common umbrella association does not exist. Regional communities are often named after leaders (like Wenger Mennonites Mennonites or Weaver ). The communities are mainly concentrated in Pennsylvania in the United States and Ontario in Canada. The number of Altmennoniten was estimated in 2002 to about 20,000 in 150 communities. New developments such as the electrification and mobilization led in the course of the 20th century in part to establishment of new communities.

As a language service is held to this day at the High German, spoken language is usually still Pennsylvaniadeutsch. Like other Anabaptist- Mennonite communities also practice the Altmennoniten only the confession of baptism and see themselves in the tradition of Christian pacifism. Plays a major role to date, the Dordrecht Confession in 1632. Primary characteristic is a strict municipal autonomy.

In many areas the Altmennoniten are close to the Altkoloniern and the Amish. How the Amish have the Altmennoniten a Swiss- southwest German origin and are available for a modest and understated lifestyle. Many of them use even today only horse (hence the expression Horse and Buggy Mennonites ). Unlike most Amish, however, they gather to worship in their own church buildings.