Editor’s note: As we continue to adjust our comment policy and live into our role as a forum for the voices of Mennonite Church USA, some letters to the editor will begin to appear online. 

An Open Letter to Ervin Stutzman, the Boards of MC USA, Mennonite Education
Agency and the News Media:

After six months of investigation about the allegations against Luke Hartman, does anyone still need more information? To plan a “probe” for more details seems to question the integrity of the administration of EMU, the pastoral staff of Lindale Mennonite Church and the leadership of Virginia Mennonite Conference.

In the account of Jesus being confronted by a group of angry religious leaders with a “woman taken in adultery” Jesus simply said, “Let him who is without sin among you be first to cast a stone” and to the woman He said: “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” The sin of adultery and fornication is not the “unforgiveable sin”. Has there been any move toward restoration and forgiveness for Luke?

Now, about the thousands and thousands of dollars you plan to spend on the “probe,” would there not be better ways to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus? May the Holy Spirit grant you wisdom and guidance in managing the Church’s activities and limited resources.

Peter Hartman
Luke Hartman’s father
Hesston, Kansas

Response from Ervin Stutzman: 

Dear Peter:

You have written a thoughtful letter, which merits a thoughtful response.

You mention “6 months of investigation” regarding allegations against Luke Hartman. I am not aware of any such “investigation,” but rather a surfeit of accusations, conjecture and rumors regarding events that transpired while Luke was a member at Lindale Mennonite Church or an employee of EMU. I understand that Luke has been legally cleared of the charge of soliciting prostitution which first brought these matters into the public light. However, the public posting by Lauren Shifflett and her sister Marissa Buck regarding Lauren’s relationship with Luke revealed the need for further investigation on several fronts.

The “probe” you mentioned is our plan to have an outside organization conduct interviews with a number of people to bring the truth to bear against subterfuge or rumor, whatever its origin. This external review will seek to clarify facts and provide insight into what went well in this process and where we as individuals and institutions need to do better in responding to allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct. The investigation will assure that the individuals and entities who have a stake in this painful affair (including EMU, Virginia Mennonite Conference and Lindale Mennonite Church) are treated with fairness and respect, and that those who have been wronged will be vindicated. As a church, we will seek to hold people accountable for any indiscretions or wrongs, but also to extend forgiveness and facilitate restoration, where appropriate, for all who seek it.

With you, I regret the high costs associated with an outside review. But it is even more expensive to allow abuse to go unchecked, or to miss the opportunity to establish better practices of transparency in reporting and responding wherever complaints about abuse arise.

Again, with you, I recognize the need for personal and corporate wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the midst of these circumstance. I pray the same for you in the difficult place you find yourself as a parent. May God’s abundant grace uphold us all.

In Christ,

Ervin R. Stutzman
Mennonite Church USA Executive Director