Fraternal discipline and restoration

The community exercises correction aiming at reconciliation, integrity, and restoration.

84%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: Ecclesial discipline occupies an important role in the Mennonite tradition as a practice of care, correction, and preservation of community life.

How the tradition understands it: The goal is not arbitrary punishment, but reconciliation, repentance, truth, and restoration of communion whenever possible.

Basis and context: The practice appears in classical Anabaptist texts and in the reading of New Testament passages about correction and holiness of the community.

Debates and variations: Concrete forms of discipline vary greatly, and the historical ban is today interpreted in different ways between conservative and moderate branches.

Supportive

1 Corinthians 5

mennonites,bible,discipline,holiness

Community treatment of serious sin.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 5.
Content: Paul guides the community to deal seriously with public sin.
Use in debate: One of the most important passages for community discipline and restoration.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

mennonites,bible,reconciliation,mission

Ministry of reconciliation entrusted to the Christian community.

Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
Content: Paul speaks of the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to Christ's followers.
Use in debate: Frequently used in Mennonite reflections on mission, peace, and reconciliation.

Article on ban in Schleitheim

mennonites,schleitheim,discipline,ban

Discipline appears as structural mark of the Anabaptist community.

Reference: Articles of the Schleitheim Confession on ban and separation.
Content: The text describes the use of discipline to preserve community integrity and call to repentance.
Use in debate: Important historical source for understanding ancient Mennonite disciplinary practice.

Matthew 18:15-17

mennonites,bible,discipline,church

Fraternal correction and community discipline.

Reference: Matthew 18:15-17.
Content: Jesus describes a process of correction and treatment of faults in the community.
Use in debate: One of the main bases of Mennonite discipline and restoration.