Board of Faith and Life, MCC leaders meet, clarify concerns

In further response to concerns of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Board of Faith and Life (BFL) as expressed in a April 15, 2003 letter to MCC, eight MCC leaders from Canada and the U.S. met with the BFL in Abbotsford on Sept. 27. Discussion centred around a lengthy August 29 letter of clarification and commitment, signed by Ronald Dueck, chair of the MCC Canada board, on behalf of MCC. The letter responded to specific concerns raised by BFL on MCC editorial and human resource policies and on MCC’s methodology of working within politically sensitive contexts (see MBH, Feb. 28, 2003). Both the BFL letter (April 15) and the MCC response (August 29) are available through the provincial conferences and MCC offices.

The September meeting was characterized by a spirit of affirmation and mutual support. BFL affirmed the work of MCC both at home and abroad; MCC affirmed its dependence on the church and its support for the entire ministry of the church.

Participants engaged in active and candid discussion on issues surrounding MCC as a faith-based agency owned by the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ denominations. MCC representatives articulated a commitment to its member denominations and its desire to work cooperatively with them.

To BFL’s concern for an editorial policy congruent with biblical orthodoxy, MCC stated its intention that articles published under the MCC name will not be inconsistent with the core beliefs of the member conferences. MCC stated that editorial guidelines are currently being reviewed to insure that MCC publications are biblically-based as well as prophetic.

MCC affirmed that its staff strives to serve others without racial, gender, religious or political qualification while standing within the confessional statements of member denominations including the Christo-centric focus that Jesus of Nazareth, the fullest revelation of God, invites all people to be made whole through the redemptive work of His life, death and resurrection and to follow His example as one who served.

BFL will encourage Mennonite Brethren to exercise their co-ownership of MCC, including representation on provincial, national and binational boards. BFL encourages the six representatives from the Canadian MB Conference to continue active communication with the MCC Canada delegate body at its annual meetings and to report back to the provincial conferences and to the BFL on MCC activities and interests.

Both parties agreed that the dialogue was an important and valuable exercise, serving to clarify issues and build better bridges for communication, partnership and support. The meeting served to re-affirm the conclusion that the good news of Jesus Christ to the world is communicated to the world with many strategies.

—Walter Unger, Chair, Board of Faith and Life; Ronald Dueck, Chair, Board of MCC Canada