
Five centuries of faith, community and reconciliation—and their place in the future—will be celebrated January 22, 2025, at Fresno Pacific University.
This year is the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, a movement that began when a small group of Christians secretly gathered for worship in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 21, 1525. These believers decided to be voluntarily baptized as adults, resulting in imprisonment and even death. Their particular vision of discipleship that followed in the way of Jesus has inspired many generations that followed.
These believers rejected infant baptism, military service and the official connection of church and state. The essence of Anabaptism is: “Jesus is the center of our faith, community is the center of our life and reconciliation is the center of our work,” according to author and educator Parker Palmer. Among the denominations that came from this tradition are the Mennonite Brethren, who founded and operate FPU.
Fresno Pacific University and Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary are planning two events on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism.
“A commemoration such as this allows those whose faith has been shaped by Anabaptism to celebrate the gifts it has offered us,” says Cheryl Dueck Smith, director of the Center for Anabaptist Studies at FPU. “It provides an opportunity to consider correctives as well as explore the relevance of an Anabaptist lens for today’s churches.”
A 10 a.m. College Hour chapel service geared toward traditional undergraduate students will focus on the relevance of Anabaptism for today’s context. Brian Schultz, professor of biblical and theological studies, will serve as speaker. The free event will be held in the Lyles Main Theater in the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center. No ticket is required.
The Anabaptist Community Luncheon will feature Valerie Rempel, director of accreditation for the Association of Theological Schools, as guest speaker. Prior to accepting her role at ATS, Rempel most recently served as vice president and dean of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary at Fresno Pacific University. She joined the seminary faculty in 1996, was appointed dean in 2014, and became vice president in 2019. Rempel also served at Fresno as associate professor and J.B. Toews Chair of History and Theology, and she was a past director of the Center for Anabaptist Studies. Rempel earned an MA from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary), and an MA and PhD from Vanderbilt University.
The luncheon is free and open to local church and community members, but registration is required by Jan. 17. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. in the BC Lounge. Register at fpu.edu/anabaptism500.
Events are hosted by Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, in collaboration with the Council of Senior Professionals and the Center for Anabaptist Studies. Cheryl Dueck Smith, D.A., is director of the Center for Anabaptist Studies and assistant professor of marriage and family therapy at the seminary.

Fresno Pacific University is California’s Central Valley’s only accredited Christian university, connecting every student’s untapped potential with unlimited opportunity for professional, personal and ethical growth. Nonprofit and independent, FPU offers more than 100 areas of study to about 4,000 traditional undergraduate, adult degree completion, graduate and seminary students at the main campus in Southeast Fresno and throughout the Valley at regional campuses in North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced as well as online.