Tsunami relief dominates MCC annual meeting

The Dec. 26 tsunami that ravaged much of southern Asia and the east coast of Africa was never far from the centre of discussions at the annual general meeting of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), June 10–11, in Winnipeg. It was pivotal in shaping MCC’s year and the meeting agenda.

Don Peters, MCC Canada executive director, said the three weeks following the tsunami “were the most intense days we’ve experienced. People were lined up to make donations.” MCC received the largest influx of money for any single event in its history. “We sensed more deeply the great degree of responsibility and accountability that comes with this support,” Peters said.

In a brief ceremony at the June 10–11 MCC Annual Meeting, Robb Davis (left) received a series of gifts, including some books and a watch, in recognition of his becoming the MCC Executive Director. Former executive director, Ron Mathies (right), extended his appreciation to Davis for the gifts he is bringing to the position.

Carolyn Heggen (MCC Asia) opened the bi-national meeting with a meditation on the 2005 MCC theme, “Moving with compassion.” Speaking of the unprecedented wave of compassion that followed last December’s tsunami (donations were $84.8 million US, up from $69 million the year before), she said, “I am sorry so many MCCers are feeling exhausted from the extra work, but I am grateful that MCC has provided a way for people to give concrete expression to their heartfelt compassion. Giving people tangible ways to express compassion and thus take on the nature of our merciful and compassionate God is one of MCC’s most important functions.”

MCC’s history of involvement in the area gave integrity to its responses. “No one was confusing MCC aid with political involvement or interference,” said MCC board member Erin Morash.

MCC will be using tsunami relief funds over the next three to five years to help with the rebuilding program in the region affected.

A large percentage of the donations were from first-time MCC supporters and non-traditional supporters, noted Ron Loeppky, MCC Manitoba interim executive director. “This raises questions of what will happen to the larger support base and are we still going to remain the same MCC we’ve always been.”

While it was clear that the tsunami did bring the work of MCC to new levels, one long-time MCC supporter and observer expressed the hope that this would not overshadow MCC’s responses to needs elsewhere in the world.

There was a dynamic workshop discussion on MCC’s 60 years of involvement in Israel/Palestine. Typically, MCC’s involvement has been with displaced persons – the Palestinians – but discussion included the possibility of partnering with others, including Israeli peace groups.

“We agreed that the conflict situation is not being resolved in this region and that is a real concern,” Vernon Jantzi said. “We need alternative ways to address this issue.”

Interfaith bridge-building also stirred lively discussion. Increasingly, MCC’s work brings it alongside organizations and agencies from other faiths.

“There is a concern for respecting other faiths and differences, but also wanting to come with a strong desire to bear witness to our faith,” said Laura Schmidt Roberts. “We serve as a result of our faith. It is a genuine starting point – an unapologetic ownership of our faith.”

A third workshop reviewed the 50 years of the Mennonite Church work in Vietnam and how the present political situation has created new complexities and suffering for the Mennonite churches in that country.

Following a report from Mennonite World Conference (MWC), new guidelines for MCC’s partnership with this organization were outlined.

MWC’s David Wiebe expressed appreciation for the new partnership. “The ties will help to keep MCC close to the church and will be an integral part of our experience.”

The MCC board also looked at a new memorandum of understanding in its relationship with Ten Thousand Villages, which is looking to take advantage of the booming $6 billion gift market in the U.S. and the need to supply the rising middle classes in such countries as India and Vietnam.

In closing comments, J.M. Klassen, first executive secretary of MCC Canada, said, “MCC operates on a high level of trust. That level of trust is a precious capital which MCC has to guard with transparency, integrity and compassion. MCC receives a passing grade on all counts.”

—Evelyn Rempel Petkau, for Meetinghouse