Biography

Dutch-born Menno Simons is the"father" of the Mennonites. Born in 1496, Simons was part of the Reformation. He became a priest without ever reading the Bible. Once ordained, he began to question aspects of the Catholic religion, including transubstantiation and infant baptism. He delved into the Scriptures as the source of truth and authority. He agreed with the Anabaptists'"believer's baptism." For this and other differences, he left the Catholic Church. He and his followers became known as the Mennonites. Simons died on January 31, 1561.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer