Marj Mobley-Oorthuys - Elder, Salem Mennonite Church, OR
Dear MCC Executive Directors and Board,
I started attending Salem Mennonite Church 40 years ago in part because of the help you have given to people around the world. My family visited Guatemala in 2011 so our daughter could visit her birth country. We were warmly greeted in many places when we said we were Mennonites and were friends of a family that were formerly MCC Country Representatives. We have supported MCC-Guatemala as a way of helping our daughter’s birth country because of your positive contributions there.
A year ago, I read in Anabaptist World that there have been some abuses of employees. Now I have read that it was not just 2 or 3 people, but dozens. What I am most concerned about is your willingness to pay people to be quiet about their concerns through NDAs, but unwillingness to pay for an Independent External Investigation. In Section 8 of MCC’s Peaceful Practices, it says that dialogue is not a substitute for action, power differences need to be named and addressed and healthy dialogue must address the deep conflicts – not ignore them. I am speaking for myself, but please use my – and my church’s donations to respect people, not silence them.
At your next meeting, please commit to an independent external investigation – with a full public report and binding recommendations regarding accountability for perpetrators and reparations for survivors.
At your next meeting, please commit to releasing survivors from the NDAs that some were pressured to sign. MCC’s reputation is more greatly harmed by forcing silence than it is by listening to and responding honestly with your current and former employees.
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 As humans, we all make mistakes. It is better to admit them and respond justly than think we can continue to cover them up…continuing to hurt people. We cannot hide our mistakes from God.
You have listened to my concerns. Please respond so that I can know your thoughts.
Respectfully,
Marj Mobley-Oorthuys
Member and Elder of Salem Mennonite Church, Salem, Oregon