BFL clarifies role, produces letter on marriage

The Board of Faith and Life (BFL) met in Abbotsford Jan. 27, in conjunction with the final meeting of the Council of Boards and the meeting of the Executive Board of the Canadian MB Conference.

The BFL spent considerable time discussing their role in the new governance model. The relationship description clarifies that BFL be the biblical/ethical watchcare for the Executive Board. It is to monitor the Board in a spirit of Christian community, and if necessary, correct and support in redemptive ways. Furthermore, BFL is to report to the biennial Canadian convention their assessment of the Board. Board chair Walter Unger and Manitoba representative Hans Boge were affirmed to sit on the Executive Board.

Governance consultant Les Stahlke, who analyzed the recent strategic survey of the Canadian MB constituency, shared and clarified the results. The work of BFL was shown as being highly valued.

Reports on the Women in Ministry Leadership study conferences held in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta were given, and next steps (after the B.C. study conference held Feb. 4–5) discussed. At its June 5–7 meeting, BFL will discern the signals it has been receiving, and seek to develop a consensus on its stance and what it should recommend to the Conference.

Two new pamphlets in the BFL series will be commissioned – one on Christian marriage and another on Christian stewardship. BFL also appointed a working group to revise the credentialing questionnaire currently being used in the constituency.

BFL produced a template of a letter to be sent to the Canadian prime minister, deputy prime minister and minister of justice, stating the Mennonite Brethren definition of marriage as a covenant relationship between a husband and wife instituted by God as part of God’s creative design for men and women. The letter requested that the legislation of the government continue to affirm marriage as a term applicable only to the lawful union of one woman and one man to the exclusion of all others.

The letter was approved by the Executive Board and will go out over the signature of the moderator, executive director and BFL chair. Provincial conference ministers were to send this letter on behalf of their provinces.

—report from Walter Unger, BFL chair

Reports on the Executive Board meetings and survey results, as well as B.C.’s Women in Ministry Leadership symposium, will appear in the March 18 MB Herald.