"Although Lancaster Mennonite Conference bishops last month unanimously proposed that Lancaster
withdraw from Mennonite Church USA, they do not all agree the conference should leave.
One who wants MC USA’s largest conference to stay is Clair Good, Lancaster’s assistant moderator and a bishop representing Elizabethtown and York districts.
“I have a deep desire to see the spectrum of people working together and being the kingdom of God, even if we disagree on some things, and that is really difficult if we cut relationships completely,” he said.
Though many people view same-sex sexuality issues as the reason for Lancaster’s potential withdrawal, bishops say other theological and sociological factors also are at play.
Weaver said discussions about withdrawal began when Mountain States Mennonite Conference licensed a Colorado pastor, Theda Good, in a committed same-sex relationship Feb. 2, 2014.
“These discussions grew in gravity and seriousness at all levels up until the Kansas City convention” in July, he said. “We were aware that they had especially reached a critical point in African-American and Latino congregations.”
He said the conference also relates to about 60 Anabaptist groups around the world." Mennoniteworld
Jesus Christ the same yesterday,
One who wants MC USA’s largest conference to stay is Clair Good, Lancaster’s assistant moderator and a bishop representing Elizabethtown and York districts.
“I have a deep desire to see the spectrum of people working together and being the kingdom of God, even if we disagree on some things, and that is really difficult if we cut relationships completely,” he said.
Though many people view same-sex sexuality issues as the reason for Lancaster’s potential withdrawal, bishops say other theological and sociological factors also are at play.
Studies of Mennonite Church USA by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College sociology professor Conrad Kanagy illustrated divergent understandings of Christology.
“We can’t even agree on who Jesus is, or what Jesus does or does not do,” said Stephen Weaver, a bishop representing LanChester, New Danville and Willow Street-Strasburg districts.Weaver said discussions about withdrawal began when Mountain States Mennonite Conference licensed a Colorado pastor, Theda Good, in a committed same-sex relationship Feb. 2, 2014.
“These discussions grew in gravity and seriousness at all levels up until the Kansas City convention” in July, he said. “We were aware that they had especially reached a critical point in African-American and Latino congregations.”
He said the conference also relates to about 60 Anabaptist groups around the world." Mennoniteworld
Jesus Christ the same yesterday,
and to day,
and for ever.
Hebrews 13:8 