Pastors voice support for Canadian Mennonite

April 10, 2013 | God at work in the Church
By Dick Benner | Editor/Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta.

In a luncheon discussion with local Mennonite pastors and church leaders at Lethbridge Mennonite Church, where Canadian Mennonite Publishing Service board members were holding their annual general meeting, the magazine received strong support for its content and emphasis.

Harold Preston Schilk of Springridge Mennonite Church, Pincher Creek, said the publication is valued and often used in Sunday school discussions and in church. Noting a good balance, he appreciated the “nurturing value and affirmative material, and the attempt to improve our spiritual walk and commonality as Mennonites.”

Ryan Dueck, host pastor, said the publication is “more politically engaged” than other magazines he reads, “is dynamic and intellectual, and does not promote personal piety to the exclusion of other points of view.” The perception, he said, is that it uncritically embraces “leftist” ideology, referring to coverage of the proposed Gateway pipeline and the Idle No More movement. On the Canada Revenue Agency issue, he observed that both sides were presented, adding that overall the articles are “well read and valuable,” with the magazine “poking, prodding and stimulating” appropriately.

Ernie Engbrecht, moderator of Mennonite Church Alberta, said the magazine needs to stress its independence from MC Canada since “most readers don’t know it is independent.” Engaging youth is an issue in the province, he said, as is engaging the Asian community, which tends to be more conservative. Racism is a major concern in Alberta in relating to the large aboriginal population, according to Engebrecht, and hence Mennonites risk a potential liability in getting involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

There was some feeling among the pastors that churches do not embrace diversity, creating tension in housing and hiring, but others felt that diversity is tolerated.

In other business, the board approved Canadian Mennonite’s 2013 budget, which anticipates $675,705 in revenue, including a $20,000 cutback from MC Canada, and expenses of $710,797, leaving a deficit, after depreciation, of $26,092.

In its annual election of officers of the executive committee, Tobi Thiessen was re-elected as chair, as was Carl DeGurse as vice-chair. Les Klassen Hamm will serve as both secretary and treasurer, and Tim Reimer was elected member-at-large, succeeding Jim Moyer.

The board bid farewell to Ed Janzen, who declined to serve for a third three-year term, and to Joon Park, who served for one term. Both are from Abbotsford, B.C., and both were representatives of MC Canada on the board.

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