In 2003 representatives of a number of organisations with Anabaptist values (some explicit, others implicit) met together to explore ways of working more closely together. There were already strong friendship links between us and several overlaps of personnel and activity. But we felt that a greater degree of synergy might be possible.
The result of this conversation was the development of 'Root and Branch' - a 'network of networks' rather than a separate organisation. Since then we have continued to meet together two or three times a year to build stronger links and plan joint activities. Other groups have also become involved. We met most recently on 3 December, 2004 at the London Mennonite Centre.
Organisations currently involved in 'Root and Branch' are:
The Anabaptist Network
Urban Expression
Anvil Trust - Workshop/Advanced Workshop
London Mennonite Centre
Bridge Builders
Metanoia Book Service
Wood Green Mennonite Church
Ekklesia
SPEAK
Christian Peacemaker Teams
Peace School
Peace Church
Christian International Peace Service
These organisations contribute to a monthly email sent free of charge to subscribers. This carries news and articles relating to the concerns and activities of each organisation.
You can subscribe to the 'Root and Branch' email on this website - see the section on the side bar.
For further information, or if you represent an organisation that might also be interested in participating in 'Root and Branch', please use our contact form.
The monthly email bulletin called "Root and Branch" shares news and articles from a network of Christian organizations in Britain and Ireland committed to shared radical values and vision.
The email bulletin is sent out each month with details of coming events from members of Root and Branch, including the Anabaptist Network.
The Root and Branch bulletins also contains articles of interest that explore issues from an Anabaptist perpective, and include opportunities to get involved in Anabaptist-related activities with the London Mennonite Centre, the campaign group Speak, Workshop, the church planting agency Urban Expression and the theological think tank Ekklesia amongst others.
If you'd like to get an idea of what it looks like, see our sample issue from August 2004.
Representatives from the various organizations in the Root and Branch network meet three times a year to discuss ways they can better work together.