Photo: Costa Rican Mennonite leaders share joys and challenges with the MWC Executive Committee. Photo: J. Nelson Kraybill.

The Mennonite World Conference Executive Committee met April 8–12 in Heredia, Costa Rica, and withdrew the proposal “MWC Policy for Dealing with Controversial Issues,” which was presented to the General Council in Kenya last year.

The proposal, which was prepared by the MWC Faith and Life Commission and approved by the MWC Executive Committee, contained guidelines for a process to discuss controversial topics in MWC.

At this year’s meeting, the Executive Committee passed a new resolution by consensus. The resolution says:

“As the MWC Executive Committee we are reminded that a primary theme in the mission of MWC is to ‘facilitate relationships between Anabaptist-related churches worldwide.’ In light of the concerns raised at the General Council meeting in Kenya regarding the proposed document on ‘MWC Policy for Dealing with Controversial Issues,’ the Executive Committee withdraws the proposal.

We recognize that our member churches have confessions of faith and ecclesial practices that are not always in agreement with each other. Beyond the Shared Convictions, MWC does not advocate a single confession or practice for our member churches; instead, we want to provide a safe space for our groups to learn from each other on matters of faith and life. MWC seeks to strengthen relationships across a diverse church.”

Eight pastors and leaders from Asociación Iglesias Cristianas Menonitas de Costa Rica shared about how their congregations are growing together and start new ministries, following MWC president Nelson Kraybill’s encouragement to “not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.”

The Executive Committee met at the home of the first Mennonite congregation planted by Rosedale Mission in 1965. From that first local church, there are now 23 Mennonite congregations who joined with MWC’s Renewal 2027 celebration, a one-day Anabaptist anniversary event that preceded the Executive Committee’s annual meeting.

Appointed by the General Council, Executive Committee members meet annually to carry out the work of MWC. The two representatives from each region manage the finances, authorize programs, approve task forces, articulate the vision and mission and develop long-range plans.

The Executive Committee discussed and approved guidelines on appointment of specialists to MWC commissions and application to the jubilee account of the Global Church Sharing Fund.

Overall, unrestricted contributions are positive position, reported MWC treasurer Sunoko Lin, but net assets saw a significant drawdown due to spending for the General Council meetings in Kenya in 2018. Fundraising for these meetings is more challenging than for Assembly, the worldwide gathering every six years, said Lin. “Efforts are on the way to help resolve this situation.”

Living out the priority of relationships in MWC, Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, taught on intercultural competence. An effective intercultural communicator prepares, observes, compares, reflects, inquires and respects, said Guyton.

MWC makes an important link to other worldwide Anabaptist churches, said MZ Ichsanudin, Executive Committee member for Asia. “Maybe we can learn from the experiences of our brother or sister from another continent. Maybe it applies to our congregation, can make us a better congregation. We are enriched from each other.”

Three Executive Committee members were not able to attend the meetings, one for family reasons, two because of visa complications.

For the first time, the Executive Committee invited Mennonite Central Committee, International Brethren In Christ Association and International Community Of Mennonite Brethren to attend the meetings in the roles of advisers. These organizations are also global in scope and work in a close relationship with many MWC member churches. Ron Byler (MCC) and Doug Sider (IBICA) attended the meetings.

“Remember, sisters and brothers, that salvation and reconciliation through the cross and resurrection are the greatest hope for us and for a broken world,” said Kraybill.