Ontario Mennonite Brethren Conference suspends two churches over LGBTQ+ welcome and inclusion

Two churches in the Ontario Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (ONMB) have had their membership in the Conference suspended over LGBTQ+ welcome and inclusion.

In a message to ONMB churches on November 7, board Chair Michelle Knowles said the Southridge Community Church in St. Catharines and the Toronto FreeChurch had been been placed under suspension.

In the case of Southridge, it was suspended for publicly communicating its intention to invite members of the LGBTQ+ community into all levels of participation, leadership and decision-making within the church.

This would include full inclusion “under a framework of disputable matters, which demonstrates convictions and actions which are outside the articulation and application of our MB understanding of scripture, as expressed in the Canadian Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith,” Knowles said.

The decision to suspend Southridge was made “after more than a two-year journey of engagement” with the church by the Conference, she said, noting the suspension was effective as of November 5.

Also suspended was FreeChurch Toronto, effective as of October 14, based on their “articulated position on full inclusion and their desire to be a fully affirming church, which is also outside of our Confession,” Knowles stated.

On its website, FreeChurch says "we value the inclusion, dignity and flourishing of all people, and there welcome LGBTQ+ folks to fully participate in church life, including membership, leadershop and as staff members."

It goes on to say it supports LGBTQ+ people whether they choose celibacy or marriage.

The suspensions of the two churches are effective until the ONMB convention in February, 2023, at which time the ONMB Board will recommend revocation of membership unless a resolution is achieved with either church before that date.

Suspension or revocation of membership by ONMB automatically results in suspension and revocation of membership in the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

“The purpose of suspension is to address issues of compliance with our Confession and bylaws, while allowing room for dialogue in good faith as we seek a resolution together,” Knowles said in the message to the churches.

“As we interact with and serve all of our neighbours, including the LGBTQ+ community, we want to model the posture of Jesus, walking with grace and speaking truth in love,” she added.