Two conferences – one assembly?

When Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA were formed a few years ago, the sentiment was to meet together as a binational conference occasionally. First it was to happen in 2003, then in 2005. But in July, at MC USA’s 2003 assembly, the Joint Executive Committee announced that there would not be a joint convention in 2005 either, despite initial plans for a gathering in Toronto.

However, in an about-face at a meeting of the JEC in Vancouver Oct. 23–26, it was decided that a joint meeting would be a good thing. This was affirmed when MC Canada’s General Board met in Winnipeg in November.

I think Mennonite Church is on to something.

When the Task Force studying the divestiture or dissolution of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (North America) reported to the Council of Boards in December 1998, one of the recommendations it submitted read: “Discontinuance of bi-national conventions in favour of a rotating schedule of regional and national conventions, with a partnership convention occurring every six years.” When decisions were made about divestiture, however, the last part of this recommendation was dropped and no plans were made to hold joint conventions.

Is it time we resurrect the idea? Is it an idea worth resurrecting? Have we achieved enough distance from the divestiture to start thinking of meeting together? Would it achieve something worthwhile? Are we thinking that because we are part of the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) that we should not meet as just a small part of the whole? ICOMB meetings consist of the leaders of the 20 Mennonite Brethren conferences around the world, but do not include the rank and file.

Personally, I think we have lost a valuable aspect of being a part of a larger whole. Even though Canada is a big country and we have a large constituency with much diversity even within the country, I believe it is valuable for us to also maintain close ties to our brothers and sisters in a neighbouring country. We still share the responsibilities of the Seminary and MBMS International. Yes, the governance of these ministries has been delegated to the national conferences but both countries maintain ownership and membership in the Boards of Directors. Kindred Productions also still serves the US churches and conferences.

Many good friendships have been forged at these joint conventions. Fellowship with our American brothers and sisters was enriching. It would be good to have a regular venue for this to continue and to be developed further. This would give opportunity to our younger members to begin these friendships as well.

We also still share a Confession of Faith and changes to it are to be made according to a prescribed procedure. Items of concern (like baptism and membership) still need discussion from both sides of the border (and beyond wherever possible). A mechanism is in place to deal with these issues bi-nationally.

So, since we are still committed to working together on some of these major issues, would it not be prudent to also meet together occasionally in order to maintain good fellowship, discuss common concerns and ensure a continued common purpose? Six years from divestiture would suggest 2008 as the year for such an event. Perhaps we could invite our Mexican brothers and sisters to join us in the joint celebration so that we would have a true North American convention.