Previously we noted the high incidence of child mortality and wondered how many Buller children died young without having their names ever recorded in a church book or government census (see here). This post looks at another aspect of Mennonite life: the application of the ban.
The idea of being banned probably seems foreign to many today, although it is making a comeback with some forms of social media (e.g., an abusive commenter being banned, that is, prohibited from commenting). Throughout their history Mennonites as a social and religious community have practiced banning as a means of self-regulation. The leaders of the church took seriously their responsibility of maintaining right behavior within the fellowship; the ban, “either exclusion from communion (kleiner Bann) or exclusion from membership (grosser Bann)” provided them the means, the social leverage, that enabled them to perform their duties effectively (Neff 1953).
20 January 1853
News from the Khortitsa Community. In the colony of Einlage, Abraham Dyck and his bachelor brother Peter beat and seriously injured Gerhard Friesen, Jacob Braun, and Johann Wiebe. Braun is reported to be close to death and will, in any case, be crippled. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.
11 February 1853
***
21 April 1864
Easter Tuesday. I attended a large Brotherhood Meeting in the Khortitsa church. … The meeting discussed the cases of the church members Johann Kirsch, who had married a Russian woman, and Johann Dyck, who had married a Lutheran woman. It was decided that such persons should not be placed in the ban but released from their church membership in a way that would allow them to maintain relations with church members in the civil sphere.
The congregation then considered what to do with persons who sought readmission to the church after withdrawing and being re-baptized. This was the case with Jacob Peters and Mrs Gerhard Rempel of Borosenko, who now desired close ties with the church. It was decided to wait and observe the genuineness of their remorse.
Peter Peters of Schönwiese was placed in the ban because of adultery and fornication.
***
15 January 1867
Before today’s service, we met at Reverend J. Pätkau’s house where Elisabeth Wiebe, the unwed daughter of the late Martin Wiebe of Neuosterwick, had been summoned to appear [before the Ministerial Committee] by the brethren Isaac Siemens and Bernh. Bärgen. She had given birth to an infant shortly before Christmas. She confessed to having committed fornication with Heinrich Lepp, son of Peter Lepp of the Grossfürstlich settlement. Brotherhood Meeting. The congregation placed Elisabeth Wiebe in the ban. Grant her the strength to repent, Lord. I wrote a letter to the beloved Elder informing him of the incident.
29 January 1867
Brotherhood Meeting. Elisabeth Wiebe was received back into the church (see entry for Jan. 15, 1867). Jesus forgives sinners.
***
8 October 1867
Before the service, Mrs Herman Peters appeared in my brother Diedrich’s office.… She had committed fornication with her brother-in-law Johann Peters before and after her marriage. Recently, before his death in the Grossfürstlich settlement, he had confessed the matter. Amidst a flood of tears, she admitted her guilt. Abraham Breil of Novozhitomir appeared also, Mrs Jacob Reimer having confessed to committing fornication with him in her youth, at the time of the catechism instruction. He would admit only to having touched her private parts, denying the rest. I urged him to be honest, but he stuck to his story. Even the unchaste deed merits severe censure.
Brotherhood Meeting after the service. Mrs Hermann Peters was placed in the ban. Lord, grant her true repentance. Abraham Breil, however, persisted in his story. I exhorted him to repentance. His case has been held over for now and rests on his conscience. The Lord will bring to light what has been concealed and reveal the secrets of the heart.
14 October 1867
When I got home last night, I found Bernhard Giesbrecht and Julius Janzen of Kamianka waiting for me. On behalf of Mrs Hermann Peters, they requested her readmission to the church tomorrow.
15 October 1867
Sunday morning. With tear-filled eyes, Mrs Peters begged to be readmitted to the church. Janzen, Giesbrecht and I therefore drove to Novozhitomir, where the service was being held. Brotherhood Meeting. Hermann Peters’s wife was received back into the church.
***
25 March 1869
My brother Heinrich writes: “You will have heard of Reverend Heinr. Penner and his confession. In his old age he has been barred from the ministry. This was not our original intention, since he was no longer in office. Blind Agatha has been placed in the ban. She confessed to committing fornication not only with Reverend Heinr. Penner but also with the late bachelor David Dörksen, with a man from the Bergthal colonies and with Peter Hildebrand of Khortitsa. The matter will likely come before the brethren tomorrow since the blind woman will undoubtedly ask to be readmitted [to the church], and Hildebrand will be placed in the ban. It is unspeakably sad how sin can rule over us. ‘Lord, lead us not into temptation.’”
***
21 March 1870
Franz Giesbrecht of Novozhitomir told me his daughter Maria had confessed to behaving unchastely and committing fornication with both their Russian man-servant and Franz Klassen.
22 March 1870
Before today’s service Franz Giesbrecht and his daughter Maria appeared before me. They had been summoned by Peter Janzen and Johann Klassen. Maria admitted the truth of her father’s story. The matter was held over until next Sunday.
29 March 1870
Before today’s service, Franz Giesbrecht, his daughter Maria, Franz Klassen, and the two summoners [Peter Janzen and Johann Klassen] appeared before the Ministerial Committee. Franz Klassen denied committing fornication with Maria. The girl said he had run his hand over her private parts and similarly described her unchaste behaviour with the Russian [servant]. But she contradicted herself and finally admitted her complete guilt. The matter was deferred until the Brotherhood Meeting. Brotherhood Meeting. The matter regarding Maria Giesbrecht and Franz Klassen was presented to the brethren. Klassen was summoned and admitted to having uncovered and touched Maria’s private parts several times. Both were placed in the ban. Lord Jesus, grant them strength for repentance.
3 May 1870
Brotherhood Meeting. … Maria Giesbrecht was readmitted to church membership.
***
15 May 1870
At Elder Ger. Dyck’s request, Abraham Peters of village number one appeared in our [married] children’s zemlianka [a dugout] in the presence of the witnesses David Klassen and Janzen. Peters, who was accused of having committed fornication with a Russian woman, admitted his guilt contritely and shamefacedly.
17 May 1870
Abraham Peters was placed in the ban because of his unchaste conduct.
***
25 July 1871
Last night Peter Thiessen’s wife came by, crying and lamenting her fate. She had learned that her husband planned to join the Russian [Orthodox] church and wanted me to help find him. This I promised to do. Peter Thiessen has developed a bad reputation in his dealings with people. He has worked as a supervisor or foreman in the construction of various mills and has always ended up in some kind of trouble.
13 January 1872
Peter Thiessen’s wife came to see me this morning about her runaway husband…, requesting that I collect money for her to buy a wagon that would allow her to hunt for him. She asked if I would initiate the collection at next Saturday’s meeting of Judenplan model agriculturalists, at the home of my brother Diedrich (overseer of all Hebrew colonies of the 4th District of the Province of Kherson). The poor woman hopes she can win her husband back by speaking to him personally. May God give his blessing.
6 February 1872
13 February 1872
***
15 June 1872
In the afternoon, Heinrich Olfert of Novovitebsk begged me to talk to his brother-in-law Peter Siemens, who was ill and wanted to see me. Olfert had arrived on Siemens’s springed carriage, and my wife, our little Johann, and I drove back with him. I found Siemens sick and anxious to confess his sins. He was especially tormented by his heavy drinking and the fornication he had committed. In his youth he had also defiled himself with cattle and committed fornication with a girl named Aganetha Schmidt (the daughter of Peter Schmidt of Kronsweide), whom he had seduced by promising to marry her. As a married man, he had had relations with Johann Siemens’s wife (who had seduced him), and with eight Russian women. Dear God, sin has such power. Siemens was contrite. I am sure the Saviour will not reject him.
18 June 1872
Brotherhood Meeting. I outlined Peter Siemens’ transgressions, and he was placed in the ban. May the Lord grant him the strength to repent. It was also decided that if he asked to be readmitted, and could not do this personally [in church], it could be done at his bedside.
23 June 1872
Peter Siemens asked to be readmitted to the church. In keeping with church practice, I received him as a member in the presence of several church members, and we sang a hymn in closing. Siemens is very sick and close to death.
***
16 April 1873
At the request of Elder Gerhard Dyck, I met with him and Reverend Gerhard Enz in Schöndorf, Borosenko [settlement]. Abr. Bärgen, who had attempted suicide, was summoned to appear before us. Also present were the [Borosenko] District mayor Gerhard Rempel and the [Schöndorf] Village mayor David Penner. Bärgen, who is addicted to drink and lives in discord with his wife, showed not the slightest remorse, refusing even to admit that he was a drunkard until the District and Village officials proved otherwise. He was allowed to leave until tomorrow.
17 April 1873
At Elder G[erhard] D[yck’s] suggestion, G. Rempel and I spoke to Abr. Bärgen early this morning, trying to impress upon him the sinfulness of his hatred of [his wife]. We had hoped he would recognize the wretchedness of his condition and be moved to genuine contrition. I did what I could, but, O God, it made almost no impression on Bärgen. His wife wept bitter tears. They did, however, agree to come to G. Enz’s place in Schöndorf, where we exhorted him further to a genuine change of heart. A service followed in the school. There was then a Brotherhood Meeting at which Elder Dyck reviewed Bärgen’s transgressions. Bärgen appeared, asked forgiveness of the brethren, and was dismissed in peace. Lord, Lord, soften his hardened heart to repentance. Lead this lost sheep on to the path of eternal salvation.
28 May 1873
Jacob Klassen of Schöndorf and Heinrich Löwen of Nicolaithal, appearing on behalf of Mrs Abraham Bärgen, requested her readmission to the church. The Elder had placed her in the ban last Thursday because of the discord in her marriage. Her husband … has been under arrest in Khortitsa for some time. I promised to visit [the Borosenko settlement].
30 May 1873
To keep my promise, Heinrich and I drove to Borosenko where I consulted a number of church members about Mrs Bärgen’s readmission to the church. She appeared, but showed little contrition, and we decided to leave matters as they were. Since her husband is still under arrest in Khortitsa, it seemed best that she and her trustees appear before Gerh. Dyck in Rosenthal on Sunday. Her husband would also be asked to appear, and the two could be reconciled. She could then be readmitted to church membership on Sunday, in the Neuendorf church. Indeed, this is what happened.
***
30 October 1873
I was called to Abraham Friesen’s bedside, who … confessed to committing fornication with numerous Russian women and defiling himself with animals, etc. Since seeking the face of God he had come to realize, he said, that he would not find peace until he had confessed his sins to the church. He showed great remorse. May the dear Saviour lead him along the path of repentance and have mercy on him.
4 November 1873
Brotherhood Meeting. Abraham Friesen was placed in the ban for his transgressions.
12 November 1873
Monday morning, Abraham Friesen, excluded from the church because of his carnal sins, was readmitted to membership.
***
14 January 1875
Tuesday. … My brother Diedrich returned from Khortitsa with a letter from Elder Gerhard Dyck informing me that a Brotherhood Meeting in the Khortitsa church on January 6 had placed Gerhard and Klas Thiessen and Johann Dyck in the ban because of their Nikopol swindle. I am to inform their families and the Neu Khortitsa Village assembly accordingly to ensure that they are treated as separated persons. I forwarded the letter to the Village Elder [of Neu Khortitsa], Dietrich Braun. Heinrich Harder of Gnadenthal, who had been in Khortitsa on business, brought the wrongdoers (together with a formal report from the Khortitsa Volost) home on the 11th.
17 January 1875
Friday. Reverend Pätkau tells me that the three men in question had yesterday been turned over to the District police officer in Sofievka. Lord, grant them the strength to repent.
24 January 1875
Dietrich Braun, the mayor of Neu Khortitsa, and Jacob Neufeld came to talk to me on behalf of the three men placed in the ban, requesting their readmission to the church on Sunday, that is, tomorrow. Johann Dyck and Klas Thiessen dropped by to make a similar plea personally.
26 January 1875
Brotherhood Meeting. The brethren consented to the readmission of Johann Dyck and the brothers Klas and Gerhard Thiessen to the church. Lord Jesus, accept their remorse and wipe away their guilt. Their case has not yet been decided by the courts, however.
Without claiming the least bit of expertise on the ban and its application, I offer a few observations about the practice of the ban in David Epp’s time and place.News from the Khortitsa Community. In the colony of Einlage, Abraham Dyck and his bachelor brother Peter beat and seriously injured Gerhard Friesen, Jacob Braun, and Johann Wiebe. Braun is reported to be close to death and will, in any case, be crippled. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.
11 February 1853
A letter from the Reverend Jacob Pätkau reports that eight people from Einlage, the innocent as well as the guilty, have been placed in the ban.
***
10 September 1863
The Brotherhood Meeting discussed several matters. … Aron Neusteter and his stepdaughter Anna Peters were placed in the ban for committing fornication, which resulted in the birth of a child. Lord Jesus, our merciful Saviour, grant them genuine remorse to everlasting life. Amen.
15 September 1863
Aron Neusteter and his stepdaughter Anna Peters, who had been placed in the ban, asked to be readmitted to the church. Brotherhood [Meeting]. Aron Neusteter and Anna Peters were received back into the church.***
21 April 1864
Easter Tuesday. I attended a large Brotherhood Meeting in the Khortitsa church. … The meeting discussed the cases of the church members Johann Kirsch, who had married a Russian woman, and Johann Dyck, who had married a Lutheran woman. It was decided that such persons should not be placed in the ban but released from their church membership in a way that would allow them to maintain relations with church members in the civil sphere.
The congregation then considered what to do with persons who sought readmission to the church after withdrawing and being re-baptized. This was the case with Jacob Peters and Mrs Gerhard Rempel of Borosenko, who now desired close ties with the church. It was decided to wait and observe the genuineness of their remorse.
Peter Peters of Schönwiese was placed in the ban because of adultery and fornication.
***
13 December 1864
The Peter Mantlers appeared before the Ministerial Committee. Elder Gerhard Dyck had informed us that Mrs Mantler had committed adultery with old Jacob Dyck in Nieder Khortitsa. She confessed her transgression to the Brotherhood Meeting and was placed in the ban.
***
15 January 1867
Before today’s service, we met at Reverend J. Pätkau’s house where Elisabeth Wiebe, the unwed daughter of the late Martin Wiebe of Neuosterwick, had been summoned to appear [before the Ministerial Committee] by the brethren Isaac Siemens and Bernh. Bärgen. She had given birth to an infant shortly before Christmas. She confessed to having committed fornication with Heinrich Lepp, son of Peter Lepp of the Grossfürstlich settlement. Brotherhood Meeting. The congregation placed Elisabeth Wiebe in the ban. Grant her the strength to repent, Lord. I wrote a letter to the beloved Elder informing him of the incident.
29 January 1867
Brotherhood Meeting. Elisabeth Wiebe was received back into the church (see entry for Jan. 15, 1867). Jesus forgives sinners.
***
8 October 1867
Before the service, Mrs Herman Peters appeared in my brother Diedrich’s office.… She had committed fornication with her brother-in-law Johann Peters before and after her marriage. Recently, before his death in the Grossfürstlich settlement, he had confessed the matter. Amidst a flood of tears, she admitted her guilt. Abraham Breil of Novozhitomir appeared also, Mrs Jacob Reimer having confessed to committing fornication with him in her youth, at the time of the catechism instruction. He would admit only to having touched her private parts, denying the rest. I urged him to be honest, but he stuck to his story. Even the unchaste deed merits severe censure.
Brotherhood Meeting after the service. Mrs Hermann Peters was placed in the ban. Lord, grant her true repentance. Abraham Breil, however, persisted in his story. I exhorted him to repentance. His case has been held over for now and rests on his conscience. The Lord will bring to light what has been concealed and reveal the secrets of the heart.
14 October 1867
When I got home last night, I found Bernhard Giesbrecht and Julius Janzen of Kamianka waiting for me. On behalf of Mrs Hermann Peters, they requested her readmission to the church tomorrow.
15 October 1867
Sunday morning. With tear-filled eyes, Mrs Peters begged to be readmitted to the church. Janzen, Giesbrecht and I therefore drove to Novozhitomir, where the service was being held. Brotherhood Meeting. Hermann Peters’s wife was received back into the church.
25 March 1869
My brother Heinrich writes: “You will have heard of Reverend Heinr. Penner and his confession. In his old age he has been barred from the ministry. This was not our original intention, since he was no longer in office. Blind Agatha has been placed in the ban. She confessed to committing fornication not only with Reverend Heinr. Penner but also with the late bachelor David Dörksen, with a man from the Bergthal colonies and with Peter Hildebrand of Khortitsa. The matter will likely come before the brethren tomorrow since the blind woman will undoubtedly ask to be readmitted [to the church], and Hildebrand will be placed in the ban. It is unspeakably sad how sin can rule over us. ‘Lord, lead us not into temptation.’”
***
21 March 1870
Franz Giesbrecht of Novozhitomir told me his daughter Maria had confessed to behaving unchastely and committing fornication with both their Russian man-servant and Franz Klassen.
22 March 1870
Before today’s service Franz Giesbrecht and his daughter Maria appeared before me. They had been summoned by Peter Janzen and Johann Klassen. Maria admitted the truth of her father’s story. The matter was held over until next Sunday.
29 March 1870
Before today’s service, Franz Giesbrecht, his daughter Maria, Franz Klassen, and the two summoners [Peter Janzen and Johann Klassen] appeared before the Ministerial Committee. Franz Klassen denied committing fornication with Maria. The girl said he had run his hand over her private parts and similarly described her unchaste behaviour with the Russian [servant]. But she contradicted herself and finally admitted her complete guilt. The matter was deferred until the Brotherhood Meeting. Brotherhood Meeting. The matter regarding Maria Giesbrecht and Franz Klassen was presented to the brethren. Klassen was summoned and admitted to having uncovered and touched Maria’s private parts several times. Both were placed in the ban. Lord Jesus, grant them strength for repentance.
3 May 1870
Brotherhood Meeting. … Maria Giesbrecht was readmitted to church membership.
***
15 May 1870
At Elder Ger. Dyck’s request, Abraham Peters of village number one appeared in our [married] children’s zemlianka [a dugout] in the presence of the witnesses David Klassen and Janzen. Peters, who was accused of having committed fornication with a Russian woman, admitted his guilt contritely and shamefacedly.
17 May 1870
Abraham Peters was placed in the ban because of his unchaste conduct.
***
28 February 1871
Prior to the service in Steinau, Mrs Abraham Knelsen appeared before the ministers. The Grossfürstlich Elder Johann Wiebe had reported that she had committed fornication and adultery with Heinrich Friesen of the Nepluiev settlement, to which she confessed. She also admitted that during her first marriage she had done similar acts with Jacob Andres Sr in Einlage, with the teacher Peter Abrahams, and with Jacob Hiebert. I presented the matter to the Brotherhood Meeting. She was placed in the ban, in keeping with God’s Word.
***
19 May 1871
I was called home from my brother Diedrich’s place to talk to Jacob de Veer of Izluchistaia, who poured out his troubles to me. His daughter Katharina had committed fornication with the young man Jacob Bärgen and been delivered of a healthy son. Bärgen admitted his guilt, but refused to have anything to do with Katharina or the child. I told de Veer we would be able to work something out once Katharina was up and about and we could call her and her lover to account. Sin brings people to ruin.
30 May 1871
Before today’s service, Jacob Bärgen and Katharina de Veer, who had committed fornication with one another, appeared in the ministers’ room.… They were summoned by the witnesses Gerh. Andres and Bernhard Wiebe. Her father, Jacob de Veer, was also present. They openly confessed their guilt. De Veer was permitted to take his daughter home. Brotherhood Meeting following the service. I presented the case to the brethren, and Jacob Bärgen and Katharina de Veer were placed in the ban. Lord, grant them strength to repent.
4 June 1871
Johann Bärgen and Jacob de Veer, the fathers of the two members placed in the ban, asked me to help them reach a settlement in regard to the costs of raising the child born out of wedlock. Veer demanded 100 R. plus 25 R. support per year for 8 years, and Bärgen offered to pay no more than a total of 50 R. I suggested that the best solution would be for the two to marry. Bärgen replied that he had recommended this as well, but that his son was set against such a marriage. I then told them they would have to reach a settlement on the payment of [maintenance] costs before the children could be readmitted [to the church]. A multi-year settlement was also out of the question. They finally agreed that Bärgen would pay de Veer 60 R., half by Michaelmas and the rest by May 1, 1871. The two men shook hands and parted in peace.
4 June 1871
Brotherhood Meeting. Jacob Bärgen and Katharina de Veer were readmitted to the church.
***
25 July 1871
Last night Peter Thiessen’s wife came by, crying and lamenting her fate. She had learned that her husband planned to join the Russian [Orthodox] church and wanted me to help find him. This I promised to do. Peter Thiessen has developed a bad reputation in his dealings with people. He has worked as a supervisor or foreman in the construction of various mills and has always ended up in some kind of trouble.
13 January 1872
Peter Thiessen’s wife came to see me this morning about her runaway husband…, requesting that I collect money for her to buy a wagon that would allow her to hunt for him. She asked if I would initiate the collection at next Saturday’s meeting of Judenplan model agriculturalists, at the home of my brother Diedrich (overseer of all Hebrew colonies of the 4th District of the Province of Kherson). The poor woman hopes she can win her husband back by speaking to him personally. May God give his blessing.
6 February 1872
In the afternoon, my brother Diedrich, Peter Siemens, Corn. Martens, Abraham Unger, and I gathered at my brother Diedrich’s place to talk to Peter Thiessen. He was called in, made a complete confession, and asked for permission to live among us again. I asked him about the rumours that he had committed fornication, and he admitted that they were true. In reply to our question as to how far matters had gone regarding his [rumoured joining of the] Russian [Orthodox] church, he said that he had made only one inquiry in this regard and had not pursued the matter further because he knew it was wrong. The issue will be placed before the brethren on Sunday.
13 February 1872
Brotherhood Meeting. I presented the matter involving Peter Thiessen. The brethren decided that since he had gone astray and committed many transgressions, including fornication, he should be placed in the ban. Friesen, Isaac Siemens, and I were instructed to inform him of our decision.
20 February 1872
Brotherhood Meeting. Peter Thiessen appeared before the brethren, asked their forgiveness, and was readmitted to church membership. Lord Jesus, forgive him, let him keep his renewed vow and walk in the fear of thee. Have mercy on thy flock. Do not let a single lamb go astray.
15 June 1872
In the afternoon, Heinrich Olfert of Novovitebsk begged me to talk to his brother-in-law Peter Siemens, who was ill and wanted to see me. Olfert had arrived on Siemens’s springed carriage, and my wife, our little Johann, and I drove back with him. I found Siemens sick and anxious to confess his sins. He was especially tormented by his heavy drinking and the fornication he had committed. In his youth he had also defiled himself with cattle and committed fornication with a girl named Aganetha Schmidt (the daughter of Peter Schmidt of Kronsweide), whom he had seduced by promising to marry her. As a married man, he had had relations with Johann Siemens’s wife (who had seduced him), and with eight Russian women. Dear God, sin has such power. Siemens was contrite. I am sure the Saviour will not reject him.
18 June 1872
Brotherhood Meeting. I outlined Peter Siemens’ transgressions, and he was placed in the ban. May the Lord grant him the strength to repent. It was also decided that if he asked to be readmitted, and could not do this personally [in church], it could be done at his bedside.
Peter Siemens asked to be readmitted to the church. In keeping with church practice, I received him as a member in the presence of several church members, and we sang a hymn in closing. Siemens is very sick and close to death.
***
16 April 1873
At the request of Elder Gerhard Dyck, I met with him and Reverend Gerhard Enz in Schöndorf, Borosenko [settlement]. Abr. Bärgen, who had attempted suicide, was summoned to appear before us. Also present were the [Borosenko] District mayor Gerhard Rempel and the [Schöndorf] Village mayor David Penner. Bärgen, who is addicted to drink and lives in discord with his wife, showed not the slightest remorse, refusing even to admit that he was a drunkard until the District and Village officials proved otherwise. He was allowed to leave until tomorrow.
17 April 1873
At Elder G[erhard] D[yck’s] suggestion, G. Rempel and I spoke to Abr. Bärgen early this morning, trying to impress upon him the sinfulness of his hatred of [his wife]. We had hoped he would recognize the wretchedness of his condition and be moved to genuine contrition. I did what I could, but, O God, it made almost no impression on Bärgen. His wife wept bitter tears. They did, however, agree to come to G. Enz’s place in Schöndorf, where we exhorted him further to a genuine change of heart. A service followed in the school. There was then a Brotherhood Meeting at which Elder Dyck reviewed Bärgen’s transgressions. Bärgen appeared, asked forgiveness of the brethren, and was dismissed in peace. Lord, Lord, soften his hardened heart to repentance. Lead this lost sheep on to the path of eternal salvation.
28 May 1873
Jacob Klassen of Schöndorf and Heinrich Löwen of Nicolaithal, appearing on behalf of Mrs Abraham Bärgen, requested her readmission to the church. The Elder had placed her in the ban last Thursday because of the discord in her marriage. Her husband … has been under arrest in Khortitsa for some time. I promised to visit [the Borosenko settlement].
30 May 1873
To keep my promise, Heinrich and I drove to Borosenko where I consulted a number of church members about Mrs Bärgen’s readmission to the church. She appeared, but showed little contrition, and we decided to leave matters as they were. Since her husband is still under arrest in Khortitsa, it seemed best that she and her trustees appear before Gerh. Dyck in Rosenthal on Sunday. Her husband would also be asked to appear, and the two could be reconciled. She could then be readmitted to church membership on Sunday, in the Neuendorf church. Indeed, this is what happened.
***
30 October 1873
I was called to Abraham Friesen’s bedside, who … confessed to committing fornication with numerous Russian women and defiling himself with animals, etc. Since seeking the face of God he had come to realize, he said, that he would not find peace until he had confessed his sins to the church. He showed great remorse. May the dear Saviour lead him along the path of repentance and have mercy on him.
4 November 1873
Brotherhood Meeting. Abraham Friesen was placed in the ban for his transgressions.
12 November 1873
Monday morning, Abraham Friesen, excluded from the church because of his carnal sins, was readmitted to membership.
***
14 January 1875
Tuesday. … My brother Diedrich returned from Khortitsa with a letter from Elder Gerhard Dyck informing me that a Brotherhood Meeting in the Khortitsa church on January 6 had placed Gerhard and Klas Thiessen and Johann Dyck in the ban because of their Nikopol swindle. I am to inform their families and the Neu Khortitsa Village assembly accordingly to ensure that they are treated as separated persons. I forwarded the letter to the Village Elder [of Neu Khortitsa], Dietrich Braun. Heinrich Harder of Gnadenthal, who had been in Khortitsa on business, brought the wrongdoers (together with a formal report from the Khortitsa Volost) home on the 11th.
17 January 1875
Friday. Reverend Pätkau tells me that the three men in question had yesterday been turned over to the District police officer in Sofievka. Lord, grant them the strength to repent.
24 January 1875
Dietrich Braun, the mayor of Neu Khortitsa, and Jacob Neufeld came to talk to me on behalf of the three men placed in the ban, requesting their readmission to the church on Sunday, that is, tomorrow. Johann Dyck and Klas Thiessen dropped by to make a similar plea personally.
26 January 1875
Brotherhood Meeting. The brethren consented to the readmission of Johann Dyck and the brothers Klas and Gerhard Thiessen to the church. Lord Jesus, accept their remorse and wipe away their guilt. Their case has not yet been decided by the courts, however.
1. Sexual misconduct was the most frequent circumstance to which the ban was applied. No doubt this was due to a desire not only to promote sexual purity but also to protect social solidarity and cohesiveness, something that marital unfaithfulness would certainly damage.
2. Epp’s frequent prayers for the ban to lead to genuine remorse and sincere repentance presumably hint at the primary goal of putting someone under the ban. It was not merely to punish but also to prompt a change of mind and spirit that would permit reintegration into the community.
The same is indicated by the situation involving the unwed parents Jacob Bärgen and Katharina de Veer. The ban was lifted and they were readmitted to the church only after their families agreed on the terms of support for the child and were formally reconciled.
3. That being said, we should not ignore the punitive aspect of the ban. It was frequently applied to misconduct many years in the past. Even then, however, one might understand its purpose to be to provoke true repentance and remorse for past sins.
4. Although not all the entires mention readmission into the church, enough do that we can deduce that banning was not something that was meant to go on forever—or even for long. Jacob Bärgen and Katharina de Veer were readmitted to the church five days after being placed under the ban. Elisabeth Wiebe was received back two weeks after the ban was imposed. Sickly Peter Siemens was under the ban for five days, Maria Giesbrecht for only four. Of course, the length of the ban depended entirely upon the person under it: showing genuine remorse for the sin was a prerequisite for admission back into the fellowship.
5. As Epp readily admits, “the innocent as well as the guilty” could be placed under the ban. I have no explanation to offer for that surprising state of affairs, except to wonder if this further evidence of the ban being used as a lever to encourage reconciliation among disputing parties.
To return to the provocative question in the title to this long post, were any Bullers banned? We do not know one way or another, but, given what we read above, it would not be surprising to discover that Heinrich Buller of Brenkenhoffswalde (here) and Anna Buller of Deutsch-Wymysle (here; see also here) were placed under the ban. Truth be told, I rather suspect that they were not the only ones!
Sources Cited
Dyck, Harvey L., ed. and trans. 1991. A Mennonite in Russia: The Diaries of Jacob D. Epp, 1851–1880. Tsarist and Soviet Mennonite Studies. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
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