Lacks spirit of unity

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I was encouraged by three articles in the January issue, with a vision of new energy and unity for Mennonite Church USA. Janet Trevino-Elizarraraz asked Germanic Menno­­nites to "present a living faith divorced from their ethnicity." Jim Schrag was quoted in reference to our missional calling, “It takes us from our history of separation ... toward engagement with the world.” Ervin Stutzman said, "We would be a much stronger church if we recognized the strengths that our diversity brings."

Then my hopes were shattered with Everett Thomas' editorial that called us to remember our pre-merger differences. Did he actually imply that former General Conference individuals should constitute a minority of leadership because only 25 percent of Mennonite Church USA members were former GCs? That we should look forward to Stutzman's leadership because he brings memories from old Mennonite culture? The editorial comments lacked the spirit of unity and forward-thinking reflected in the other articles.

Associated Issue: New director begins - January, 2010

Associated Article: Turning the page

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