Newest members will lead us
by Joy Kauffman, Tiskilwa, Ill.
Regarding "Pastors Group Raises Concerns About MC USA" (Dec. 1, 2009): The letter is signed by pastors with the last names Chigoji, Chukwukelu, Fatunmbi, Hamlin, Handoyo, Zacheus, Hannanto, Jachin, Kusuma, Koeshadi, Mustangin, Moeljono, Kouttjie, Massamba, Opong, Pam and Pitts.
I list the names because Stanley W. Green, president of the Mennonite Mission Network has said ("Leadership," Nov. 4, 2008) to be Mennonite is by witness, not by family name. He said, "If we take seriously the demographic trends in Mennonite Church USA that show the growing edge being among new immigrant communities from Africa, Asia and Central and South America, then we must think differently about our identity."
Then he gave the clincher; listen carefully: "Some claim Mennonite identity even when they are not members of a church or make any confession of following Jesus. This preoccu- pation with a cultural Mennonite identity flies in the face of our confession of a faith not defined by allegiances of ethnicity or race, of flag or nation."
This true statement is confirmed by a quick look at the last names of the original signatures on the "Open Letter" promoting a "radical hospitality" that confuses God’s desire for a holy people. The last names there are a perfect list for someone wanting to play the Eurocentric and exclusive "Mennonite name game.' This attitude is reflected in the Readers Say letter published Dec. 1, 2009 asking, "Should that not be balanced by a story on a person with same-sex orientation that lives in a committed same-sex relationship, respects the church and wants to continue in it because of lifelong association and commitment to its Anabaptist ideals?"
I join the voices of the immigrant leaders and countless others who are too scared to speak up, in a call to return to our confession of a faith with clarity and love. I hope our newest members will lead us there.
Associated Issue: Jordan: An oasis of peace - Dec.
Associated Article: Pastors' group sends letter of protest to Mennonite Church USA
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