I am pleased that time has been set aside at the congregation's AGM for members and adherents to speak with each other and make a decision about the
statement that has been proposed by CMC and Ministry Team. I have a couple of
suggestions for amendments/improvements. Because it is not clear how much time for
discussion will actually be available at the meeting, I am posting the proposals in the hope of getting constructive feedback in advance.
THE STATEMENT: At Waterloo North Mennonite Church we
welcome all people to participate in our Christian community of faith with all
its expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities regardless of their race,
ethnic background, gender, age, sexual orientation, income, education, ability
or any other factors that give rise to discrimination and marginalization.
PROPOSAL #1: Delete
the reference to "age" from the statement.
Reason: The
Mennonite/Anabaptist movement began with an act of discrimination based on age.
For various reasons, Mennonites do not baptize individuals until they are of
the age of accountability (and children are not full participants in communion). I am sure it is not
intended by anyone that this statement should be interpreted to reverse that
core element of Mennonite practice. It might be possible to craft exceptions or
qualifications to address this issue. However, given that "age" has
not been a live issue in this series of discussions, it would be simplest to
remove the reference.
PROPOSAL #2: Add the following clarification to the end
of the statement: "This means a request to be married should not be
rejected on the basis that it is submitted by a same-sex couple."
Reason: The
core issue that has driven the debate and the development of the statement is
the question of marriage. The congregation ought to specifically address the
issue. The statement should be crystal clear on the question. Most importantly,
same-sex couples, should they wish to be part of the congregation, or wish to
be married at the congregation, should not be left guessing as to whether their
sexual orientation will be an issue.
POSTSCRIPT: I
actually have serious reservations about the overall approach of the statement
(See my June 15, 2015 blog post: Next
Mennonite? Century). However, it is high time something clear, concise and
public was said by our congregation about same-sex marriage. That means that if
something along the lines of Proposal #2 is included, I will likely support the
statement.
