Set on the 56-acre farm in Linville, Virginia owned by professor Peter Dula and Ilse Ackerman, a short documentary captures their dedicated conservation work and deep connection to the living landscape. Filming highlighted Peter鈥檚 profound understanding of the property, from its moving water and returning bird species to the subtle signs of ecosystem recovery. Central to his stewardship efforts is a forward-thinking 200-year plan for the land, ensuring that his conservation choices today will continue to protect and nurture the environment for generations to come.
In the News
What does the good news of Jesus look like in a place where people may not feel like they need anything? In this article from Anabaptist World, Eastern Mennonite Seminary student Jan Heindel reflects on her experience serving in the Czech Republic and asks what the gospel means in a culture shaped by self-sufficiency, secularism and the legacy of communism.
Through stories from her ministry in Dob艡铆拧, Jan explores how the good news can be experienced through community, belonging, reconciliation, restoration and the peace of Christ.
Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus named 10th president of 91大神
As interim president over the past year, the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus has demonstrated the leadership capacity, character, institutional understanding, and community trust necessary to lead 91大神 during a pivotal period in its history. Following broad and enthusiastic affirmation from stakeholders across the university community, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dycus as 91大神鈥檚 10th president, effective July 1, 2026.
EMS Professor of Christian Ethics Dr. Jacob Cook led a local discussion on the complexities of Christian nationalism. The event was hosted by Trinity Episcopal, who teamed up with Christ Lutheran and Christ UMC in Staunton, Virginia. During his talk, Dr. Cook explored some radical Christian traditions that resist cozy alliances between church and state, the history of religion in America, and how authoritarian forms of Christianity impact both our churches and our democracy.
Jonny Rashid is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Peacemaking and Social Change at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and this week Mennonite Church USA named him a recipient of their 2026-27 Scholarship for BIPOC Students. The scholarship supports students who are members or active participants of an MC USA congregation and are attending an MC USA-affiliated school. Jonny, who serves as pastor at West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, was recognized for his commitment to deepening his understanding of peacemaking and social change.
DMin student鈥檚 adult education initiative builds a culture of nonviolence
The Rev. Angelo Mante, a graduate student in Eastern Mennonite Seminary鈥檚 Doctor of Ministry program, serves as co-founder and executive director of Alive Community Outreach. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based organization cultivates a community of nonviolence through relationships and education and was recently featured on 89.1 WBOI, a National Public Radio member station.
91大神 Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus and Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, director of alumni engagement and community connections at 91大神, spoke at the Harrisonburg International Women’s Day March on Saturday, March 7.
What does Anabaptist faith look like in the public square? Sometimes it looks like Rev. Jon Carlson. The EMS alumnus was recently featured in The Guardian in a story about individuals challenging presidential actions in court. Jon serves as lead pastor of Forest Hills Mennonite Church and moderator of Mennonite Church USA, roles that place him at the intersection of pastoral leadership, denominational life, and public witness. His participation in this moment reflects a long-standing Anabaptist commitment to justice, conscience, and faithful engagement in the public square.
Dr. David Evans, professor of history and intercultural studies and associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, delivered a guest sermon on radical solidarity on Sunday, Feb. 8, at First United Methodist Church of Evanston, Illinois.