NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Western District Conference delegates on Oct. 31 gave pastors the freedom to perform same-sex marriages if their congregations approve. The unprecedented action conflicts with Mennonite Church USA’s Membership Guidelines, which forbid pastors to officiate same-sex marriages, and Confession of Faith, which affirms traditional marriage only.
NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Qadrey Tolliver, 18, a first-year Bethel College student from Kempner, Texas, died in an automobile accident Oct. 20 in Texas. Tolliver was a member of the women’s basketball team. Bethel students learned of her death as they returned from fall break.
The Lancaster Mennonite Conference Board of Bishops has affirmed a resolution recommending the conference withdraw from Mennonite Church USA. The proposal now goes to credentialed leaders for a vote.
BLUFFTON, Ohio — Representatives from across the spectrum of Mennonite education gathered at Bluffton University Oct. 16-18 for a conference on the network’s past, present and future. The event attracted 120 attendees, from elementary schools to colleges and including presidents, scholars, teachers and graduates.
