Indiana-Michigan Conference of Mennonite Church USA has adopted a policy to “not deny credentials to someone called to ministry . . . because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.”
Delegates passed the policy revision with 90.6% approval at the conference’s annual meeting June 9-10 at Amigo Centre in Sturgis, Mich.
The conference reviewed its policy on credentialing people in same-sex relationships after MC USA delegates rescinded the denomination’s Membership Guidelines at a special delegate assembly in 2022.
The Indiana-Michigan policy reaffirms congregations’ freedom “to be the deciding bodies about their pastoral leadership.” Congregations can “choose to call or not call as a pastor any person equipped for pastoral leadership.”
The meeting’s theme was “Unity in Love,” based on Philippians 2:1-5. Cyneatha Millsaps of Mennonite Women USA and Sharon Yoder, Indiana-Michigan Conference co-minister, preached on the need for listening and relationships.
The closure or release of five congregations was recognized.
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