We are living in unprecedented times, with opportunities to unite or divide. We appreciate that Tim Huber covered the South Central Mennonite Conference Discovery Process (“South Central Conference Weighs Its Affiliation,” MWR, Aug. 24). We in SCMC are as diverse as any other conference and have invited all pastors and congregations to bring their best humble selves into this process.

It is unfortunate that two pastors of SCMC churches were quoted, after we asked that personal opinions not be printed in this article because it is to be a congregational process. The article impacted our Hispanic church leaders in South Texas, who already feel disconnected from SCMC. When asked their thoughts on the article, one statement was, “We knew SCMC decisions are made in the North and our input doesn’t matter, so why should we participate in the Discovery Process?”

We wish there could have been an article uniting the churches rather than further dividing them. We are saddened by the setback this has created for the conference.

Howard and Cathy Wagler, Hutchinson, Kan.

The writers are network directors for South Central Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA.