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Embracing a multiethnic identity
Mennonite Church USA in the 21st century will be increasingly multiethnic. Shifting from a 300-year-old base of Eurocentric identity to a multiethnic identity, while difficult, is inevitable. It is best if we make the transition consciously and for reasons of conviction, rather than either have it forced upon the denomination or have it bypass the church altogether, leaving us like a withered leaf on a dying branch. I believe the extent to which we become a true multiethnic church will determine whether we have a relevant voice with which to shape a new century of Anabaptist-Christian witness. This change is not a threat to Anabaptist values. Rather, I predict that if we embrace a multiethnic identity now, our Anabaptist witness could penetrate our American culture more in the next 50 years than it has in the last 300. The Executive Board has the following churchwide priorities for Mennonite Church USA. All are linked in a vital way to the "one new humanity" of Ephesians 2:15. Mennonite Church USA 2020: An Emerging and Future Church The purpose of our Missional Church: Joining in God’s activity in the world, we develop and nurture missional Mennonite congregations of many cultures. (Eph. 3:1-13; Article 9, Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective) All parts of Mennonite Church USA, united in vision and purpose, are committed to the following priorities between now (2006) and then (2020): Witness. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is practiced and proclaimed through a seamless web of evangelism, justice and peace across the street and around the world. (Luke 4:18-21; Matthew 12:15-21; Articles 10, 22, Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective) Anti-racism. We will honor the dignity and value of all Racial/Ethnic people in Mennonite Church USA, ensuring just and equitable access to church resources, positions and information as manifestations of the one new humanity in Christ. (Acts 10: Galatians 3:25-29, Ephesians 2:15; Article 9, Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective) Leadership Development. Church members with leadership gifts are called, trained and nurtured in Anabaptist theology and practice in order to fulfill the church’s missional vocation. (Exodus 18:13-23; Ephesians 4:7-16; Article 15, Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective) Global Connections. Mennonite Church USA fosters fellowship
and develops partnerships with Anabaptists and the broader body of Christ around the world. (Revelation 5:9-10; Article 9, Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective) In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
