Rooted in Christ, growing in justice
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.”
—John 15:4 (NRSV)
We invite you to join us in God’s reconciling work. We believe there is no “us” and “them”— only us, united as the body of Christ. Rooted in Anabaptist values, we strive for scripturally based global anti-racism, belonging, inclusion, diversity and equity (ABIDE) joining Jesus’ call to amplify the voices of the oppressed and pursue liberation for all of God’s creation.
How does Mission Network work toward reconciliation?
History of ABIDE team
Since its inception in 2002, Mennonite Mission Network has committed to being an anti-racist and anti-sexist organization according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. As a U.S.-based global nonprofit 501(c)(3), we comply with federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, and age. Over the years, initiatives like “caucus groups” have fostered the goal of achieving the “beloved community,” where everyone is respected in our workplace and in our domestic and global community engagement.
In 2022, staff requested that senior leadership strengthen these efforts by forming a diverse team of five to 6 employees to guide the agency’s ongoing anti-racism work. The team was structured under the Executive Office for organizational-wide accountability.
In 2025, the team was renamed ABIDE, to better reflect its initial Christ-centered focus, as outlined scripturally in John 15:4 – that through a close relationship with Jesus and obedience to his teachings, mutual respect and affirmation can occur among people who differ.
Team composition
The ABIDE team is currently made up of six employees from across the agency, who serve three-year terms, dedicating a portion of their work hours to this initiative.
Team vision statement
We envision Mennonite Mission Network to be an intercultural organization where equity, antiracism, and inclusion are evident in each part of our work.
ABIDE’s work
The ABIDE team assists Mission Network in its strategic priority of Peace and Justice, by assessing our organization through an anti-racism lens, fostering continual transformation toward intercultural competence in our structures and relationships.
Our key initiatives include:
- Administering an annual Anti-Racism Grant to support projects advancing racial justice.
- Partnering with HR to recommend training and learning opportunities for staff.
- Collaborating with leadership to cultivate a work environment where all feel respected, welcomed and included.
- Working with the Executive Office to address justice issues within our agency, and concerns of our constituents, including global and domestic partners.
- Partnering with Marketing and Communications to review materials through a scripture-based anti-racism lens, guided by Shared Voices, Mission Network’s anti-racist communications guide. In use for nearly 20 years, this publication influenced other faith-based organizations.
- Collaborating with Global Partnerships to administer the Solidarity Fund, providing scholarships to relieve financial barriers for participants in our programs.
- Engaging with partners, such as the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, to gain perspective on justice work on a larger scale.
