Question about Mennonite differences

[kscarle]

This may seem like a simple question to some but I have been reading different threads and I know that there are generally baptist and Mennonites on this board. I know the difference between , southern baptist, independent baptist, and independent fundamental baptist, but I do not know the difference between Beachy Mennonites and Charity Mennonites.

Is there a difference or are they just different names of churches? communities? organizations? I asked my DH and he said it was alright to ask because he didn't know either.

Sister Kristie

[Brother Ben]

Like those of us from a Baptist understanding of groups and creeds, the difference between Beachy and Charity would be similar. The Beachy Amish Mennonites as well as those who are part of the Charity churches, are a conference of believers who see eye-to-eye on certain teachings, standards, convictions, etc.

Just as Baptists can be broken up into Southern, Missionary, Indpendent, etc., thus the Mennonites are similarly divided. I would say, and I think I am right on this, there is more agreement in the Beachy's than in the Charity churches. Many churches "affiliated" with Charity are not particularly in agreement with the "standards" taught and supported at Charity or it's near sister churches, i.e., Ephtrata, Living Hope, etc.

Charity (affiliated) churches do not like to "call" themselves Mennonite, but their doctrines and practices are very similar. It is very common for brothers from Charity or one of the near sister churches there in PA, to come down and ordain elders in the misc. Charity affiliated churches across the nation.

Charity used to have a church directory on their web site, but because some churches allowed things that were not eye-to-eye with Charity itself, they removed the directory as to not put a blanket endorsement on all Charity "affiliated" churches (which I agree with.)