Peace memos - May 14, 1998

Our Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective states that "We witness to the nations by being that ‘city on a hill’ which demonstrates the way of Christ. We also witness by being ambassadors for Christ, calling the nations (and all persons and institutions) to move toward justice, peace and compassion for all people."

One way that the church has done this "calling" is through advocacy work--the church speaking out on public issues. Over the past few years, the Mennonite Church Canada has taken positions on issues such as the bombing of Iraq, euthanasia and assisted suicide, immigration legislation, a Peace Tax fund, arms sales and poverty. These are arrived at after study and discernment, and processed within Conference structure such as a vote at a delegate session. They have resulted in letters and statements to government. On the issue of euthanasia, for example, a study guide was also produced to facilitate discussion and action at the congregational level.

The church is in a unique position. Its members have experience and expertise in a wide range of issues. The church’s unique expertise is biblical and theological insight into what it means to live under God’s Rule. When society fails to hear Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves, the church is compelled to proclaim that another option is possible and preferred. As advocacy often involves speaking to government, we are fortunate to live in a country in which the leaders solicit the opinions of the people.

The Mennonite Church Canada receives dozens of request to lend its voice to a variety of issues. By what criteria ought we to respond? The Resources Commission, which is charged with Peace and Justice Ministries, has worked at the following set of possible criteria. Such a list would operate as a framework, not a rigid set of rules. These criteria will be discussed at the Stratford ’98 sessions, both in a workshop and in the general discussion of Resources Commission work. It would facilitate the process if the enclosed criteria list was copied and passed on to your congregation’s delegates.

Are these criteria ones which can guide our voices?

From Jeremy Bergen, Director of Peace and Justice Ministries