October 30-31, 2015,
at Bethel College, North Newton, KS
“Held Together in Christ”
(based on Colossians 1:17)
The Annual Assembly provided rich opportunities for fellowship and for discerning together where God’s Spirit directs us now and for the future. Among other business, delegates acted on the RESOLUTION / ESPAÑOL RESOLUCIÓN that was presented by Rainbow Mennonite Church at the 2014 Assembly and has been processed by the Discernment Task Force since then.
Post Annual Assembly Letter from Conference Minister and Moderator
Publicar Carta Asamblea Anual del Ministro Conferencia y Moderador
Glimpses from Annual Assembly 2015.
Assembly Minutes / Approved 2016 Budget / Election Results / Certified Delegates
Acta de la Asamblea / Aprobado 2016 Presupuesto Resultados / Elecciones / Delegados Certificados
Actions taken at WDC Delegate Assembly, October 31, 2015:
- Delegates approved by a 72% vote the resolution from Rainbow Mennonite Church. 185 delegates voted yes, with 30 of these noting that they oppose same-sex relationships. 72 voted no, with four of these noting they affirm same-sex relationships. The resolution is as follows:
Be it resolved that the Western District Conference of the Mennonite Church USA, out of respect for the responsibility and commitment “to seek to understand and interpret Scripture in harmony with Jesus Christ as we are led by the Holy Spirit in the church,” upholds the right of individual congregations to discern how homosexuality will be subject to Biblical interpretation, and
Be it further resolved that pastors, with the affirmation of their congregations, consistent with Mennonite polity, and without fear of censure, may officiate or refuse to officiate ceremonies that consecrate before God monogamous, life-long unions, regardless of the sexual orientation of those being united.
- Persons were elected to serve in WDC positions (some are new to these positions and some are continuing):
Executive Board – Norma Duerksen, Kristen Swartley
Gifts Discernment Committee – Ryan Koch, Jane McNair
Ministerial Leadership Commission – Peter Goerzen, Brad Roth
Resource Commission – Katherine Goerzen, Ann Hiebert
Stewardship Commission – Leanna Ediger, Stephen Hochstetler
Church Planting Commission – Veronica Robles, Lee Suderman
- A budget of $577,050 for 2016 was approved. This includes funding for the new Church Planting Commission, and continuing staff support for church planting, congregational resourcing, and the resource library.
The Mennonite: WDC approves “Rainbow resolution”
Mennonite World Review: WDC: Same-sex marriage won’t bring censure
FEEDBACK SURVEY/ENQUESTA FEEDBACK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) COVER LETTER
Preguntas más frecuentes Carta de Presentación
RESOLUTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Resolución Preguntas más frecuentes
2016 PROPOSED BUDGET
PROYECTO DE PRESUPUESTO 2016
SCHEDULE & BREAKOUT SESSIONS
PROGRAMAR Y SESIONES INTERACTIVAS
REPORT BOOK: Read it here! ENGLISH ESPAÑOL
TREASURER’S REPORT: ENGLISH ESPAÑOL
RESOLUTIONS POLICY: Resolutions must be submitted a minimum of 120 days prior to Annual Assembly (in 2015, that date is June 30). Send to: WDC Executive Board, PO Box 306, North Newton KS 67117