Resolution to be considered
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
A Resolution to Dis-Associate from MC USA will be considered
at the South Central Mennonite Conference (SCMC) Assembly in July 2023. -The Proposed Resolution is attached.
-Introductory information and responses to some frequently asked questions are below.
-We encourage you read this material carefully and prayerfully.
-If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Phil Rosenberger; SCMC
Network Chair at: Email: phila.rosenberger@gmail.com Phone: 505-236-9219.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why?
a. As we are all aware, there has been increasing tension within our conference with
respect to our relationship with MC USA. The Network Leadership Team (NLT) has
spent considerable time listening to the concerns, suggestions and recommendations
from a broad swath of our conference members. This listening included many
personal contacts as well as comments by church representative at our Assembly last
summer, an email survey last fall, four Regional Discernment Meetings in January and
a recent request for comment that was sent to all SCMC pastors and a few other
leaders. In response to this listening and discernment a resolution to withdraw from
MC USA and seek a new Mennonite / Anabaptist affiliation for all of our churches
will be proposed at our Summer Assembly in July of 2023. - Can we still be Mennonites?
a. Yes. There are numerous other Mennonite / Anabaptist organizations that we may
choose to affiliate with. We have had some preliminary conversations with several
of them, and we anticipate that those conversations will continue and expand in
the coming months. - Can we still participate in related agencies?
a. Yes. MCC, MMN, MDS, Everence, etc… welcome the participation of non MC USA
churches. - Can we still participate in the Corinthian Plan?
a. Yes. Everence has a grandfather clause that allows churches who have been
involved in the Corinthian Plan to continue participation even if they leave MC USA. - Where will we derive our 501(c)(3) Status?
a. SCMC is in the process of getting 501(c)(3) status which will serve as vehicle
through which all member churches can derive their status. - What will happen to our pastors’ credentials?
a. Nothing will change. Membership in MC USA is a “derived membership” and
credentials are only held by conferences, not by the denomination. - What will happen to our MennoData information?
a. MennoData is a recordkeeping database operated by MC USA. If we dis-associate
from MC USA, we would be removed from that database. However, since it is the
Conference and not the denomination that holds both congregational membership
and pastoral credentials, SCMC has its own records of member congregations and
pastoral files. We will continue to keep records and files as we currently do. Should
a congregation choose to withdraw from SCMC and affiliate with another
organization, copies of congregational and/or pastoral files will be forwarded upon
request from the organization with whom they have affiliated. - How will we decide on a new affiliation?
a. Conference leadership will initiate a decision-making process by
providing information and facilitating conversations regarding SCMC future
affiliation(s). It is our hope and prayer that most of our churches will find
agreement regarding a common future affiliation. - What percent approval will this resolution require in order to pass?
a. A 2/3 majority of voting delegates is needed for approval in accordance with our
Constitution.
I’m sure that there will be other questions. Please feel free to contact me.
Phil Rosenberger
SCMC Network Chai