Mennonite Weekly Review

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Mennonite World Conference’s Executive Committee recommended having the next global assembly in six years, and doing so in the U.S.

While MWC leaders had discussed lengthening the time between assemblies at the July 2009 Asuncion, Paraguay, gathering, the Executive Committee decided to continue the six-year cycle during its meetings here July 28-Aug. 4.

The committee also unanimously proposed Indonesia as the alternate choice for 2015 if plans for the U.S. do not work out, and as the first choice for the site of the 2021 assembly.

“We need two items in order to move forward with the USA as the location for our next global gathering,” said Larry Miller, MWC general secretary. “We need to discuss with the MWC member churches in the USA whether they desire to host the next assembly. And, if they do, we need to do a feasibility study of the site they propose.”

A study was prepared in 2004 along with an invitation from U.S. churches to hold the 2009 assembly in eastern Pennsylvania. But after careful consideration, MWC accepted an invitation and study from the Paraguayan churches. The Executive Committee is following up the 2004 invitation.

The Executive Committee noted that the last three assemblies were held in the global South (Calcutta, India, in 1997; Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in 2003; and Asuncion, Paraguay, in 2009).

“Despite the fact that the majority of Mennonites and Brethren in Christ live in the Southern Hemisphere, Executive Committee members believe it is essential that churches in the North have the opportunity to welcome the global family into their homes and fellowships,” Miller said.

“While it is financially possible for many persons from the North to travel south, the Executive Committee stated clearly its desire not to deprive our member churches in the North of welcoming the global church, of offering hospitality and of experiencing firsthand the wonder of fellowshiping and worshiping with sisters and brothers from around the world.”

The Executive Committee acknowledged visa problems may exist for people to enter the U.S.

Executive Committee members committed for MWC to pursue legal efforts and pray for admission of all who wish to attend the assembly.