If a denomination is to be healthy, it needs to transparent with members. This includes its discussions about LGBTQ+ welcome and inclusion.
Currently, the official position of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.
Same-sex people may be welcomed into some MB churches, but they cannot hold certain positions (e.g. pastor, worship leader, on the church council, etc.).
The CCMBC, and some provincial MB conferences, are reluctant to talk about same-sex issues, either in official publications or other forums.
The national conference, for example, declined to create space for conversation about LGBTQ+ welcome and inclusion when asked by over 500 Canadian MBs who signed a petition.
Currently, the only way Canadian MBs can find out what is going on in the national or provincial MB conferences is through Anabaptist World, based in the U.S., which I write for as a Canadian correspondent.
Anabaptist World can't publish everything on this topic. That's why I created this blog. It's a way to keep the conversation going from a journalistic point of view.
By writing about it here, and in Anabaptist World, I can provide a place for Canadian MBs to learn more about this topic, and about the discussions ongoing in Canadian MB circles, and also shine a bit of light on something some conference leaders might prefer remain in the dark.
I'm also mindful that journalism like this can be the first draft of history. Maybe one day someone will want to write a book about this topic and will turn to reports here and in Anabaptist World for material. Maybe this blog, and what I have written in other places, can be of use to him or her at that time.
So grateful to you, John, for your dedication to writing thoughtfully and with integrity about these vital concerns.
ReplyDelete