nonites assimilate socially into the larger
             community. Likewise, the Amish practice Meidlung or "shunning" as a
             for straying from the church's teachings. Other disputed issues included
             and strictness of attire, and the role of ceremonial foot washing in
             While there is much variety reflected in the many Mennonite
             they all share the emulation of the simplicity and purity of Christ, to a
             This "Plain Living" is a central tenet of Mennonites and Amish, as well as
             of the Brethren, Brethren in Christ, and the Hutterites.(5)
             In general, there are three broad categories or "orders" of
             on the strictness of their practices and customs. The Old Order Mennonites
             4. Powell, K&H; History of the Amish in America (2004) Accessed at:
             5. What are Amish Mennonites & Anabaptists (2002) Pagewise Inc.
             Amish) are the strictest sect, while conservative and contemporary
             in practice from very strict to barely distinguishable from the surrounding
             All Mennonites hold sacred the teachings of Christ, and the general
             "living" their faiths, rather than merely "believing". They all adhere to
             one God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as ex
             ...