External consultant releases recommendations for possible MCC “listening space”; MAST continues to call for external investigation
MCC Executive Directors have contracted with Jes Buller Stolzfus to design a “potential listening space” that would allow MCC to “listen to and learn from individuals who experienced harm while working with MCC.”
After speaking with 28 stakeholders, including members of the MAST Steering Committee, Stolzfus shared her full report and executive summary with the MAST steering committee on June 1, 2025. We have posted them here.
Stolzfus insists that if MCC does not respond with appropriate humility and commitment at this “pivotal moment,” it will risk deepening the “pain and mistrust” that many of its stakeholders currently experience.
The MAST steering committee agrees with Stolzfus and other respondents that urgent action is needed in response to the widespread harm that many have experienced, and recognizes the value of deep listening as a necessary part of a process of healing and accountability.
However, we remain skeptical of any listening process that is divorced from strong external accountability. MAST continues to call on MCC to commit to a full external investigation of all allegations, in which the choice of firm and the mandate of the investigation are approved by survivors.
Desalegn Abebe, MAST, and others speak out through teal ribbon campaign at Mennonite World Conference meetings
At Mennonite World Conference (MWC) meetings in Germany from May 23-28, 2025, MAST launched a support ribbon campaign, inviting people to wear a teal-colored ribbon as a public call for justice, accountability, and transparency for MCC.
Pastor Desalegn Abebe and Anicka Fast wore the ribbon during the meetings. They were soon joined by others, including MWC staff members and volunteers.
MWC General Secretary César García read a statement of support for Fast’s ministry in the Faith and Life Commission and emphasized that MWC supports efforts toward resolution of the conflict with MCC.
The topic of allegations against MCC received symbolic visibility during a morning prayer time on May 27.
In a conversation with MCC Executive Directors who challenged his involvement in the teal ribbon campaign, Abebe insisted on the need for MCC to respond appropriately to the allegations through an external investigation.
More survivors of MCC abuse speak out about NDAs, sexual harassment, financial fraud, bullying, and dangerous neglect of health needs
“It felt like one of those movies, where all of a sudden the whole system is trying to crush you.” –MCC representative couple whose reports of fraud in an externally-funded MCC partner organization were systematically suppressed or ignored by their supervisors, HR, financial services, international program, and planning/learning/disaster response
“Before I entered that job, I was proud to be who I am, an independent, strong-headed woman. But by the time I left I was crawling out of there, with barely any of my essence left intact.” –Survivor of years of gaslighting and sexual harassment within MCC
“I hid because I was ashamed. I sold my house, left the area. I couldn’t go to church in case [MCC leader] showed up. No one ever reached out to see if I was OK.” –MCC salaried staff who was fired and pressured into signing an NDA as a condition for receiving a severance package. This person shared with MAST that they had not written about the events in their journal, even years later.
MAST and its allies produce new advocacy resources: FAQ, pastoral letter, and suggestions for congregational involvement
Is it difficult to know what step to take next in response to the serious abuse allegations concerning Mennonite Central Committee?
Check out our new resources to support your advocacy or to respond to your questions: a pastoral letter, an FAQ, and a list of suggestions for congregational involvement.
Joanna Harader, an MC USA pastor, wrote this letter to all pastors who are wrestling with the challenge of helping their congregations confront the allegations of abuse within a beloved institution. Harader writes, “I do not think I am alone in serving a congregation in which some people want to completely cut off all ties to MCC while others want to ignore survivor stories and carry on as usual. Many of us who lead congregations are wondering how to most faithfully navigate these conversations.” She continues with some specific suggestions from her own experience. Check it out!
Central District Conference Board calls for independent external investigation, asks MCC and MAST to agree on terms
On March 26, 2025, the Board of the Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA wrote to MCC US leaders and to the MAST steering committee. CDC board members have given MAST permission to post this letter on our website.
The CDC board is the first church entity from among MCC's 14 sponsoring denominations to make a strong and public request for an independent external investigation - one which:
(1) addresses all allegations of bad endings with MCC, by providing “a hearing for all those who separated from MCC under contested or contentious circumstances”;
(2) calls for an external review of MCC policies;
(3) recognizes the need for the investigation to produce a public report, and
(4) insist that both MCC and MAST need to approve of the choice of investigative firm.
MAST responds to MCC’s “monograph” of “apology”
On Feb. 25, 2025, MCC began to circulate a “monograph” which it is calling “an apology.”
To us, this comes across primarily as further damage control, minimization, and denial – a classic “fauxpology.”
In its statement, MCC consistently minimizes the allegations and the harm, referring to workers who “experienced pain” or “left MCC feeling wounded,” while taking responsibility only in a vague way for unspecified occasions when MCC “systems were slow, unresponsive or dismissive,” when policies were not shared properly or communication “devalued or disempowered” workers. MCC falsely claims that “resolution” has occurred in cases of staff separation from MCC.
MCC’s vague apologies for poor communication and unclear policies are offensive in light of the seriousness of the allegations, and look like a way to pacify donors while failing to get to the bottom of what actually occurred.
Read further for reactions by Stephanie Krehbiel, Julene Fast, and Kim Thiessen.