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2009-07-07 issue:

Ed Diller is the new MC USA moderator

Says, 'It is important that ... alignment continue at all levels of church.'

by Everett J. Thomas

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At the conclusion of the June 30-July 5 Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009 in Columbus, Ohio, Cincinnati attorney Ed Diller (pictured at right) begins his two-year term as moderator of our denomination. At the outset of this leadership responsibility, I interviewed Ed by email.—Everett J. Thomas

As you anticipate the next two years leading Mennonite Church USA, what will be your greatest challenges? What will be your greatest opportunities?

There will be many challenges and opportunities, each goes with the other. As a denomination we are often leery of the world around us, many times for good reason.

Yet it is important that we are fully immersed in this world and that we invite those with whom we live and whom we serve to be part of our communities of witness. We must continually ask ourselves, How can we be the missional church that discerns where God is already working in the world and joins in that work? and, How can we invite others to fully participate in our discerning and serving bodies? This will stretch us individually, as congregations and as a denomination. However, only by making progress in both areas will we have the opportunity to move beyond our limited understanding and experience of God’s work into the life, witness and service to which we are called.

We know that many of our young adults and youth are networking in all sorts of ways beyond our own church culture. As a denomination we need to understand those new relationships and how they impact us.

What are the trajectories established by former moderator Sharon Waltner and the Executive Board during the past biennium that you see as most important to continue?
I should first say how much I have enjoyed my two years on the Executive Board and working with Sharon. The work has been both challenging and invigorating.

During these past two years, there has been increased emphasis on listening to all levels of the church, candidly assessing the progress toward our denominational vision, purpose and priorities and taking specific action to achieve greater movement toward bringing God’s healing and hope to the world. It is important that this work at alignment continue at all levels of the church.

What are the things about Mennonite Church USA that give you the most hope?
As a people we are extraordinarily blessed by our collective Vision: Healing and Hope. All of us should be able to recite that by memory. I also am inspired by the spirit, passion and commitment of our members, both old and new. It is impossible to travel the length and breadth of this land and not be awed by our people—who we are and who we are becoming with the grace and help of God. Finally, the hope of our denomination has to be the presence of God in our midst and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What are the things about Mennonite Church USA that give you the most concern? 
My largest concerns relate to the possibility that we will become a people of God who are static and withdrawn. Instead we must joyfully and boldly expand our witness and be active and visible in the world, both near and far.

We must also act in ways that invite others to join in the work. Despite our passivity, new groups and new people are approaching our denomination desirous of walking together.

What a wonderful affirmation of the Vision: Healing and Hope. During this time, we must find renewed strength and courage to be open to and seek out those who are called to that vision.

Together we can more effectively join in God’s redemptive work in the world with joy and expectation.

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