Mennonite World Conference’s decision not to appoint Stanley Green as a Mennonite Church USA representative (page 23) feels antithetical to MWC’s mission. I understand the concerns more conservative denominations have with MC USA’s stances. I have concerns about some of those denominations’ stances. However, in an organization that represents our global body, we set aside these beliefs to focus on what we share. If MWC denies representation based on these disagreements, then it serves no purpose other than to be another lightning rod of division. 

I worked closely with Stanley Green for four years while I was director of fund development at Mennonite Mission Network. We visited donors and churches across the United States and Europe. I have never met anyone as tactful and empathetic as Stanley. To think that he would disrupt the mission of MWC in any way tells me that the people making this decision are governed by the fear of difference rather than the hope of unity.

Matt Lehman Wiens, St. Paul, Minn.

With the exit of Mosaic Conference from MC USA and MWC’s disinvitation of Stanley Green, I am left to wonder what I expected when I began my walk in the Mennonite world in 1983. We were drawn to Mennonites because of our desire to be peaceful and to live simply. We have since been pastors, church planters and conference board members now for 42 years. It saddens and troubles me to see the continued splitting of our people over matters that probably will be nonexistent issues in another 10 years. When will we learn to forbear with one another and offer grace rather than the ban? When will we embrace the fact that we are all seeking to be faithful to Jesus despite our differences?

Karla C. Morton, Keizer, Ore.

The fear coming from sibling organizations to sit at the table of MWC is disturbing and disheartening. The divisive nature and judgment by the three unnamed conferences shows how out of touch churches can be.

Lennard Block, Delta, B.C.

I find the MWC decision exceptionally offensive and wonder if its tent is as large as I once assumed. Aren’t “Shared Convictions” enough? Shame!

Sam Steiner, Kitchener, Ont.

This makes me very sad. The argument used in the rejection was fear that the MC USA representative would push the doctrine of accepting members of the LGBTQ community. Yet MWC is allowing three member denominations to push their doctrine. In reality, MWC is not open to doctrinal differences.

Shary Hauber, Campbell, N.Y.

I am very sad to hear of this decision. It opens the way for litmus tests over other differences. John 17 is required reading.

Patricia Hershberger, Facebook comment