Interview with Jonathan Smucker and Tim Nafziger: Catalyzing the Mennonite Story

As groups that came out of Mennonite organizing, Mennonite Action and the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery share similar values. Like our shared commitment towards decolonization. Learn about the origins of Mennonite Action and how the story of Anabaptism has inspired, and sometimes hindered, public organizing in this interview with Jonathan Smucker and Tim Nafziger.

Jonathan Smucker has worked for over twenty-five years as a political organizer, campaigner, and strategist. He is the co-founder of Popular Comms Institute, PA Stands Up, Lancaster Stands Up, Common Defense, Beyond the Choir, and Mennonite Action. He is a PhD candidate in sociology at University of California, Berkeley and author of Hegemony How-To: A Roadmap for Radicals.

Tim Nafziger lives in the Ventura River watershed on the traditional lands of the Chumash people in southern California. He has been organizing for peace and justice in Mennonite communities for 27 years, including with the Coalition and Mennonite Action. He enjoys writing, board games and photography and works professionally as a digital marketing consultant.

Watch video recordings of this and other episodes from Season 4 of the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Podcast on our YouTube Channel
Show Notes:
“The Courage to Enter the Song,” written by Sarah Augustine, Tim Nafziger and Jonathan Smucker.

“Beyond Blaurock: The Other Origin Story of Anabaptism,” by Tim Nafziger.

A good article on Mennonite Action and its founding: “I Was Arrested While Singing Hymns for Ceasefire in Gaze.”

“The Movement Makes Us Human, An Interview with Dr. Vincent Harding on Mennonites, Vietnam, and MLK,” by Joanna Shenk.

Mennonite Action’s website

“Front Light” - A Mennonite Action Podcast

Sarah’s and my book: So That We and Our Children May Live: Following Jesus in Confronting the Climate Crisis

Sarah’s and my Substack: So That We and Our Children May Live

You can follow the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery on Instagram (@coalitiontodismantle) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/dismantlediscovery)