Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Beginning in 2009, a process called “Being a Faithful Church” led to a Final Draft Recommendation in 2015. In 2016, a resolution passed that encouraged an open, respectful, and listening spirit among and between Regional Churches, congregations, and individuals who have varying understandings of sexual orientation and gender identity inclusion in their communities. Before restructuring in 2017, the General Board of MC Canada issued an apology for not, “mutually bear(ing) the burden of remaining in loving dialogue with each other.”
More recently, MC Canada finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with In This Together. ITT works with Anabaptist congregations to explore ways to reduce harm to the LGBTQ2S+ community and will assist congregations who want to move to a place where LGBTQ2S+ persons are “…fully integrated, recognized, respected, and valued in a spirit of mutuality…”
MC Canada congregations are at different waypoints. Some have discerned that they should become both welcoming and affirming, meaning full inclusion of LGBTQ2S+ persons in every aspect of congregational life. Others are welcoming, but not affirming. And still others have decided to hold to traditional views or have chosen not to discuss the matter.