We affirm Stephanie Krehbiel’s analysis (Letters, June) that the abuse suffered by John Clarke and Anicka Fast is symptomatic of a systemic problem within Mennonite Central Committee. Since Stephanie wrote her letter, several more cases have been reported to MCC Abuse Survivors Together, or MAST, raising the total to 98.

As people who have served with MCC and formerly held it in high esteem, we ­believe the wise thing for MCC leaders would be to humble themselves and submit the organization to an external, independent, victim-centered investigation. Three processes have been undertaken concerning Anicka and John’s case. The legal settlement that resulted from one offered strong evidence that MCC violated labor laws. The second, initiated by MCC, found that MCC had not respected its own policies. The third, a series of facilitated conversations in which Rod participated as a support person for Anicka and John, was aborted by MCC. To Rod, it became clear that MCC had inflicted harm on many levels but was unwilling to hear the full story.

If MCC would participate in uncovering its unjust and un-Christlike practices, it would better preserve its reputation than through the slow erosion currently taking place, as some former supporters are withholding their contributions. Some congregations and conferences are calling for accountability.

We join Stephanie in debunking MCC’s inferences that this problem is a result of noise from coddled, privileged North Americans. As MAST reports, when workers and international partners raise justice issues about how MCC operates, they are often ignored, silenced or fired. In a time when the world needs what MCC has to offer more than ever, we pray that it will take responsibility for the pain it has caused to workers and partners around the world.

Lynda and Rod Hollinger-Janzen

Goshen, Ind.