Although the situation remains tenuous, I commend both Mosaic Conference and the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board for at least not closing the door to conversations (page 31). It seems a path of “mediated conversation . . . to seek ­‘reconciliation for broken relationships’” (AW, June) is no longer on the table at present.

As one who was recently inside these conversations, I want to express lament and sadness at the seeming lack of spiritual creativity on both sides to find a way to reinvent some of our structures. It seems to me that we must find a way to accommodate new winds of the Spirit. Several conferences have requested finding a path of partnership, even within perhaps worn-out rules and boundary approaches put in place a quarter century ago. 

Could there not be a new level of “membership” within MC USA that recognizes our current circumstances? Have we so succumbed to our own human rules and institutional ways that we refuse to open our eyes to what might be the beginning of a transformational work of the Spirit for our denomination? Are we talking past one another, being fully transparent, expecting a mutual way forward? I encourage both parties to resist moving on too quickly without really giving the Spirit opportunity to work.

I further suggest Richard Rohr and his “order, disorder, reorder” sequence (see The Tears of Things), which is similar to Walter Brueggemann’s “orientation, disorientation, reorientation” paradigm (see The Message of the Psalms), for a deeper dive into the necessary cycle of institutional living and dying.

David Mishler, Johnstown, Pa.

The response to Mosaic Conference from Mennonite Church USA’s Executive Board isn’t surprising. As a pillar of MC USA, the denominational board’s underlying purpose is to protect the status quo — the structure — of the organization. The problem is, when remodeling is called for, pillars usually are restrictive, not visionary. So, Mosaic Conference: Put your hands on the plow, discern the path of ­Yahweh’s leading and go for it, light on your feet, with great faith, much prayer and good courage. 

Phil Bontrager, Grand Marais, Mich.  

To the Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA: If Mosaic Conference’s offer of a program-entity partnership is “not viable,” then make it viable. Why exclude 60 con­gregations that desire to stay with the wider church?

Mary Jane Lederach Hershey, 

Harleysville, Pa.

If Catholics, Lutherans and Reformed churches are recognizing our oneness in Christ, why can’t we find oneness among our brothers and sisters in our own church?

Gay Lee Kauffman, Facebook comment