Suggestions for congregational engagement
Suggestions for congregational engagement regarding Mennonite Central Committee abuse allegations
Small Group Engagement
If you, as a church leader, are concerned about addressing the allegations of abuse by MCC, then there is probably already a group of people in your congregation concerned about MCC’s actions. This might be a formal group within the church structure – like a ministry team or church committee – or it might be a handful of individuals who are particularly troubled by MCC’s actions. This group is a great place to start!
Consider how you might hold space for these concerned people in your church. Invite them to come together to offer each other support, share personal stories, learn together from MCC Abuse Survivors Together (MAST) – and other – resources, and prayerfully plan for future action steps.
Broader Education
While some of us have known of MCC abuse for many months, others within our congregations are unaware of what has been happening within this beloved organization. It is important to provide some basic information to people within the church before moving forward with extensive conversations or requests for action. The MAST website provides many stories, articles, and statements of support that can be made widely available.
Consider what avenues might be available in your congregation for educating people about MCC’s abusive actions: bulletins, announcements, Bible studies, newsletters, emails, congregational meetings, Sunday School classes, special events…
Congregational Conversation
Yes, this is the hard part. Conversation will happen in different ways within different congregations; you will need to prayerfully discern the most faithful way forward in your context.
One suggestion is to begin with an open and honest conversation between those in your congregation who are most concerned about MCC’s abuse and those who are the staunchest supporters of MCC. (In some cases, the strongest supporters may also be the most concerned!) It might also be helpful for the engaged small group to meet with a church leadership board to first provide education and then invite conversation and possible action. While there may be an appropriate time for a congregation-wide conversation, this will likely happen only after various other groups have had a chance to learn and talk together.
Group Action
The education and conversation mentioned above are for the sake of community-building and also a means to lead congregations to action. MAST’s Get Involved page offers some concrete steps congregations might take to support survivors and call MCC to healthy accountability.
Note that these actions might be taken by individuals, small groups, or entire congregations. These actions might be done privately or publicly. They might be one-time or on-going actions.
Please ensure that the input and voices of survivors are sought out and listened to at every stage of your church’s process. You are encouraged to connect with MAST and/or other survivors you know before moving forward with concrete action steps.
What is your church called to do?
How are you being called to lead?
If you would like to be in conversation with another pastor who is also working to faithfully navigate their church’s response to MCC abuse, please contact the MAST steering committee at stopmccabuse@proton.me, who will put you in touch with a pastoral conversation partner.
by Joanna Harader