Mennonite congregations in Canada, the U.S. reach across border to defy Trump's tariffs and talk of annexation or invasion

Mennonite churches in Manitoba and Ohio and Illinois are reaching across the border to build relations through a new program called Called Companion Congregations. 

It was created last year by Mennonite Church Manitoba when U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs against Canada — along with making threats about annexing or invading the country. 

“People in our congregations started talking about not going to the U.S. anymore,” said conference minister Michael Pahl of church events outside the country. 

Through the program, he hopes to create a practical way for churches to show that “the body of Christ transcends borders.” 

To date, four churches are participating: River East and Hope Mennonite in Winnipeg and First Mennonite in Bluffton, Ohio and Mennonite Church of Normal, Illinois.  

Read the article here in the Free Press.

Photo above: Keith Poysti and Don Loewen of River East show stained glass art they made to send to Bluffton Mennonite Church.