Straying from original intent
by Karla C. Morton, Meridian, Idaho
Regarding recent articles and letters about Mennonite Church USA’s proposed new structure: I was a participant in the “Consultation on Missional Identity” held March 2000 at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. I believe this was the “kick-off” of the missional or transformational aspects for the future Mennonite Church USA. As I recall, the objective set as a top priority was to decentralize Mennonite Church USA with area conferences to play a major role in missions and outreach—meaning that there would be less “top down” organization.
We seem to be moving away from this goal by placing all of the authority for Mennonite Church USA in one Executive Board, thereby dismissing the work of the individual boards of Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Education Agency and Mennonite Mutual Aid.
I fear that we have strayed too far from the original intent of the consultation I attended eight years ago. I know that we were given a “blueprint” for this transformation, but the current proposal appears to be completely different from the direction proposed in 2000. I wonder why we had a consultation if it is not going to be followed more closely.
Associated Issue: Urgency and patience - July 8, 2008
Associated Article: All-boards meeting looks at proposal
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