Sixteenth century to the 1639 Amsterdam union · tradition
High German Mennonites
The High Germans connected South German and Rhineland believers with Dutch congregations and efforts toward reconciliation.
Also searchable as: Upper Germans · Hoogduitsche Doopsgezinden
High German or Upper German Mennonites came originally from South Germany and the Rhine region. Some formed close ties with Swiss believers; merchants and other migrants also carried these relationships into Haarlem, Amsterdam, and Leiden. In Dutch church disputes, High German became a fellowship name associated with a less severe application of banning and shunning.
Agreements with some Frisian congregations, including the 1591 Concept of Cologne, prepared the way for later cooperation. At Amsterdam the united High German–Frisian congregation joined the Flemish congregation in 1639. The supplied chart displays this joining of lines. The name therefore describes a changing fellowship history, shaped by migration, differences over discipline, and efforts to restore peace among believers.
Sources for this history: [1] [2]
