October 1stResponding to New Developments among Mennonite Churches in Quebec
The Mennonite presence in Quebec has deep roots, shaped by decades of faithful witness through missionaries, congregations and MCEC staff. We honour their faithfulness in response to God’s call.
Recently, MCEC has been informed that several member congregations in Quebec, under the acronym RADAR, have begun the process of forming a new organization of Anabaptist churches in the province. MCEC wholeheartedly affirms the goal of developing a locally based regional church in Quebec. If it comes to fruition, we will happily celebrate a new sibling church within Mennonite Church Canada. We believe this development has the potential to strengthen collaboration among congregations in Quebec as they respond to the unique realities of their context.
We anticipate that RADAR will warmly involve all MCEC member congregations within the province of Quebec in the process of forming this new church body. While affirming the goal of a new regional church, MCEC will continue to support and walk with congregations from Quebec who choose to remain part of MCEC.
In light of this initiative taken by these congregations, MCEC will pause the hiring of a new Regional Minister for Quebec and Eastern Ontario and consult with congregational leaders to discern the path forward. In the interim MCEC’s Intercultural Minister, Fanosie Legesse, will be a point of contact for leaders in this region.
As a church that spans provincial boundaries, we want to grow as communities of grace, joy and peace. In addition, a key component of MCEC’s purpose is to energize congregations in worship, discipleship and mission. Suggestions of how our community can pursue this calling in the context of the present situation are sincerely welcomed.
Contact Ben Cassels, MCEC Moderator (moderator@mcec.ca) or Anthony Siegrist, MCEC Executive Minister (executiveminister@mcec.ca) to share your thoughts or suggestions.