Mennonites are part of the wider Anabaptist family of churches, which emerged in 1525 as the radical wing of the Protestant Reformation in Central Europe. The name "Mennonite" comes from Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who consolidated and institutionalized the work of moderate Anabaptist leaders. Mennonites are known for their commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking, rejecting participation in war and violence.