Christianity: Details about 'Anabaptist Association Of Australia And New Zealan'
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The Anabaptist Association of Australia and New Zealand (AAANZ) is a relatively new association of individuals in Australia and New Zealand that have been influenced by and support Anabaptism. The Anabaptist Network of Australia and New Zealand was formed in Tasmania in 1995 as a means of support for Christians holding the Anabaptist tradition. Since there were no churches that trace their roots directly to the Radical Reformation, Christians from different denominational backgrounds came together to form this alliance. These Christians believed the Anabaptist tradition provided a theological voice relevant to their Christian witness. In 1998 the body was incorporated under the name The Anabaptist Association of Australia and New Zealand, Inc.. The association believes that of the Anabaptist tradition generally displays the following common traits: "baptism upon profession of faith; a view of the church in which membership is voluntary and members are accountable to the Bible and to each other; a commitment to the way of peace and other teachings of Jesus as a rule for life; separation of church and state; and worshipping congregations which create authentic community and reach out through vision and service". Membership in the association is open to those individuals who agree with and support the purposes and rules of the association, though they must be approved by a committee and pay an annual subscription fee. An annual "General Meeting" is held to elect officers (president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary) and transact business. In 1999, the Mennonite Brethren Herald (Vol. 38, No. 17) reported a membership of 80 individuals in the AAANZ. Another Anabaptist body, the Australian Conference of Evangelical Mennonites had one fifty-member church in Australia in 2003. Annual meetings
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