Winkler (Man.) Bergthaler Mennonite Church is considering leaving Mennonite Church Manitoba and Mennonite Church Canada after seeing acceptance of same-sex unions in the denomination.
Canadian Mennonite reports Winkler Bergthaler, with a membership of about 700, has requested a conference to study “what Scripture clearly states on the matter of homosexuality and the definition of marriage.”
“While there has been very much discussion on what people think and feel, especially on the topic of same-sex lifestyle, we believe not enough time has been spent studying what the Bible teaches on the subject,” said the church in a statement.
Winkler Bergthaler set an initial deadline of June 30 to make a decision on its membership in the national and provincial churches. It requested the study take place before then, but MC Manitoba could not plan an event by that date. Until the congregation makes a decision on its membership, its financial participation in both groups is “on hold.”
Have a comment on this story? Write to the editors. Include your full name, city and state. Selected comments will be edited for publication in print or online.