Mennonite Weekly Review

FRESNO, Calif. — The resignation of Jim Holm as president of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in August was due to his involvement in an extramarital relationship, the MB magazine Christian Leader reported in its November issue.

Holm informed the seminary board of the relationship and offered his resignation, according to Jack Falk, seminary board chair.

The relationship did not involve a past or current student, according to the Leader, the denominational publication of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

The seminary on Sept. 8 announced Holm’s resignation, effective Aug. 29. Academic dean Lynn Jost has served as acting president since then.

Holm became president in 2004 after working at the seminary since 1997 as a professor, dean and constituency relations director.

“We’re sorrowful that [Holm’s] ministry concluded as it did,” wrote David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. “We’re also grateful for the many times he challenged us through pastors’ retreats and church ministry. God’s Word and truth will still bear fruit.

“We support Jim and Shirley in prayer as they work through this. We also support the seminary as it regroups.”

The Leader published comments by Valerie Rempel, associate academic dean, adapted from her address to the student body about the situation.

“While it may be true that someone’s moral failure harms the church’s witness, keeping it secret only adds to what has already been deceptive behavior,” Rempel said. “When the church refuses to keep sin hidden, it witnesses to the importance of Christian integrity and truth telling.”

The practice of confession, she said, “can free people from the burden of sin, end the deceit and speed the healing work of forgiveness… . In all instances of failure the church should seek to be a place of healing and reconciliation.”