Convictions

We are called "Common Root" because, together, we are rooted in the life of Christ. The word "radical" comes from the Latin word "radix" which means "root." A radical movement is one that seeks to challenge the status quo by seeking change by getting to the root of the issue. This movement is made up of denominational Anabaptists (like Mennonites, Brethren in Christ, and Church of the Brethren), neo-Anabaptists, peace-minded liberationists, Catholic Workers, and other theological exiles and refugees. We aim to be a diverse mix of people whose common "root" is the radical way of Jesus Christ lived out in a post-Christian, post-colonial world where the Church is slipping into the margins and is, we hope, able to regain its prophetic voice. These our our convictions:

1. Together, we are rooted in the Risen Christ, who sustains the Church by his Spirit as we embody his presence into the world.
2. Jesus calls the Church to continue in the way of life he set for us when he walked among us.
3. The way of the Jesus is nonviolent at its core.
4. The way of Jesus is prophetic, creative, and dynamic.
5. The Spirit of Jesus is stirring a creative, prophetic Church that subverts Empire wherever it is found.
6. Repenting of our desire for power and control, we embrace the diverse groups of people that share in these convictions.

In these violent days, the Spirit is stirring a prophetic, nonviolent movement of communities committed to embracing the way of Jesus in creative and sustainable ways.