DownloadJuly 14, 2008 issue
Central District faces issues of relationship
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewWHEATON, Ill. — It is like a gathering of adult siblings. At least that’s how Gordon Oyer, president of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA, described the conference’s model for relationships, and many picked up on the idea.
Ken Hawkley, Keith Wilson and Cyneatha Millsaps of Community Mennonite Church in Markham, Ill., sing during worship at the Central District Conference gathering in Wheaton, June 27. — Photo by Celeste Kennel-Shank
“They have their own individual families and make their own decisions,” Oyer said. “When big issues come up they get together and talk about them.”
In the conference, that means congregations deciding on key questions together while allowing each one freedom to live out faith in its unique setting, Oyer said.
About 100 delegates from 32 of the 51 congregations in CDC gathered at Wheaton College June 26-28 to strengthen their relationships, celebrate successes and talk about their big issues.
One issue was the model itself. In his state of the conference address June 27, Oyer noted that First Mennonite Church of Berne, Ind., and Calvary Mennonite Church of Washington were questioning if they wanted to follow that model.
A portion of First Mennonite of Berne’s membership voted at a June 18 business meeting to begin steps to leave Central District Conference and look for another MC USA conference.
Delegates to the CDC gathering prayed for those churches. They additionally prayed for and laid hands on the delegates from First Mennonite of Berne who attended the gathering. Calvary Mennonite had not sent delegates.
Phil Eicher, a First Mennonite delegate, said the conflict is one of different ways of understanding the Bible, which lead to different views on issues such as nonresistance and homosexuality.
“We are still trying to find a way out that would be honoring to all sides and to God,” he said. “How this will look a year out, we don’t know.”
Anita Rediger, another First Mennonite delegate, said many more steps would have to take place before the congregation left CDC, including conversations with conference leaders.
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