Lesley and Marianne Fast - parents of harmed MCC workers
Dear MCC Board Members and MCC Executive Leadership,
Because we want to keep this letter short, we won't repeat here why there were allegations of abuse and misconduct made to MCC, and by whom. There have been articles about this in Mennonite journals that have been published in the past two years. And there is a website with documentation of the misconduct.
We write this letter because we continue to wait for a satisfactory solution to a very unsatisfactory situation that is not addressed as it should.
Some 500 years ago, Menno Simons pointed us to the good practice and necessity of exhorting one another to live up to standards of correct and restorative behaviour within the brotherhood of believers; in the church of Jesus Christ. What is in view is the building up of the body, the whole body, and the honour of the Head of this body.
Today we are writing to ask if you could please pay attention in your upcoming meetings to the issues that have been raised by former MCC workers in the past two years and that alas continue to be unresolved. We have read, and trust so have you, other letters that have been written to encourage you to address this topic during the upcoming meetings. (see https://www.mccabusesurvivors.org/board-letters) We agree with the many and repeated requests to ask MCC to specifically:
commit to an independent external investigation into the handling of any allegations directed at MCC,
release survivors of difficult decisions and happenings in the past of NDA's that they were asked to sign,
accept the proposed parameters for a facilitated conversation with John and Anicka.
Even when mistakes are made, and however long ago, things can be made right. Forgiveness, restoration and healing are available through, and because of, our Lord, Jesus Christ. As parents of John and Anicka, and grandparents of their daughters, we urge you to do all in your power to facilitate forgiveness, restoration and healing for all (former) MCC workers and their families.
We pray for courage and wisdom for each of you as you consider these things and as you meet to talk together.
We give MAST permission to publish this letter on its website.
With respect and hope, and for the sake of the Body,
Lesley and Marianne Fast