Mennonites confront gay issue
Calgary church decision prompts discussion
Two different Mennonite groups in two provinces tackled the issue of homosexuality when they met in Burnaby, B.C., and Stratford, Ontario, last month.
The discussion at both the Mennonite Brethren conference in B.C. and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada, held in Ontario, centred on a congregation both groups have interest in–South Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church.
The issue arose because of South Calgary’s decision to accept practising homosexuals as members.
David Ewert, chair of the Mennonite Brethren board of Christian education ministries, told delegates at the Burnaby conference that the church will be disciplined if it continues to hold its current position. He cited a 1981 resolution which states that homosexual practice is sinful but that homosexuals who repent of that sin should be accepted into church membership just as other sinners are.
During the discussion that followed, John H. Redekop of Abbotsford, B.C., said the conference needed to take a clear and immediate stand, and recommended the South Calgary congregation’s membership in the M.B. conference be terminated if the matter were not resolved by October 1. His recommendation was seconded by 25 others.
However, following a long debate, Redekop withdrew his recommendation, saying that he had made his point, and urging the Alberta conference to act quickly.
Although only one delegate, who represented the South Calgary congregation, endorsed the Calgary church’s position, delegates were divided on how to approach the issue. Harold Jantz of Winnipeg said the conference should continue to show disapproval of homosexual practice but not appear so judgmental that homosexuals will not turn to the church for help.
Brenda Dyck, a co-pastor of the South Calgary church, spoke tearfully of her congregation’s sense of isolation, a feeling they share with homosexuals and lesbians. She also apologized for not consulting conference leaders sooner and praised the Alberta conference leadership for its sensitive handling of the issue.
Biblical call
In Ontario, the Conference of Mennonites in Canada voted 93 percent in favor of a resolution on homosexuality "to uphold the biblical call to faithfulness, chastity and self-discipline in all sexual relationships" while continuing "to dialogue on those matters wherein we disagree."
CMC officials initially denied Mennonite gay and lesbian support groups booth space, seminar times and a meeting room at the sessions. The groups then set up a table at the parking lot’s main gate, and were later allowed to have a dinner meeting inside the facilities.
Lynn Dyckman of Waterloo, Ontario, told of sitting at the gate with the groups. "Jesus never spoke about homosexuality, not one word," she said during discussion on the resolution. "He spoke a lot about wealth. I’ve never seen a church ask the rich to sit outside the gate."
Several delegates said their congregations have accepted practising homosexuals as members. Some testified to their own struggle. "I cannot deny my faith, my heritage, and my Christian roots," said one woman. "I also cannot deny that I am lesbian."
CMC moderator Ron Sawatsky said the denomination had not had to confront the issue in nearly 100 years of annual assemblies. "We haven’t had the dialogue or the conversation on this yet. That needs to happen first."
–From conference reports
