German paper will celebrate and close

The Mennonitische Rundschau, a German periodical of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, will release its final edition January 2007.

The conference has been in the process of deciding the Rundschau’s future over the past number of years. A 1998 task force decided that a continued decline in readership would indicate the need to conclude this ministry. A survey taken in May 2006 confirmed a significant decline.

Cam Rowland, director of communications, said that consultations with pastors, lay leaders, and conference executive staff led to the decision to end the Rundschau’s ministry on a strong note, celebrating 130 years of publication in January.

Rowland said the conference counts it a privilege to have been involved in this ministry. “We thank God for using the Rundschau to bless German-speaking readers for more than a century,” he said. He further expressed appreciation to the staff, volunteers, and contributors “who led the paper with excellence” and to readers “who faithfully supported the paper through their letters, financial contributions, and affirmation in various ways.”

—release