April 29th, 2025

Pastoral Letter following Federal Election

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Pastoral Letter to the Pastors, Leaders, and Congregations of Our Nationwide Church

Dear Pastors, Leaders, and Members of our Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In these days following the election, when some are relieved and others are disappointed—some joyful, others deeply frustrated—we are called to walk in ways that exude grace, humility, and hospitality. We are invited to be open to possibilities that have not yet been considered.

On the day of the resurrection, two disciples—Cleopas and the other—were walking the road to Emmaus with hearts heavy and hopes shattered (Luke 24:13ff). When a stranger joined them, they shared their deep sorrow and disappointment, saying, “We had hoped that he [Jesus] was the one to redeem Israel.” 

In the wake of this week's federal election, as ballots were counted and results became clear, there will be many across our nation who will echo similar phrases in their hearts: “We had hoped…” Hoped for a different outcome. Hoped for a change. Hoped for more. Hoped for those who often don’t count. 

Meanwhile, on that road to Emmaus, Cleopas and the other found unexpected comfort in the words of their travelling companion. Moved by his presence, they invited him to stay with them. At their table, the risen Christ did what he had done at the feeding of the 5000 and at the Last Supper —he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened. They recognized the One who had conquered death and who continues his ministry of reconciliation even now.

As a nationwide church, we follow Jesus in daily life and find our unity in Christ. Even so, politics can become all-consuming. We become passionate—sometimes intensely so—about our political convictions. This passion, while understandable, can also leave families, friendships, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and congregations divided and fragile. 

Like Cleopas and his companion, may we open our hearts and lives to one another, including those with whom we disagree. 

Scripture calls us to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13), to love our neighbours, and to extend grace, even when it is hard. As congregations, we encourage you to eat together, to visit in one another’s homes, to share your lives and your stories. Focus on that which unites rather than divide us. Let our congregations be places of healing and understanding. 

Please know that this letter comes with the prayers and support of the executive ministers of our nationwide church. It is our deep desire that we, as the people of God, would be a voice of healing and hope in this season. May our communities—rooted in grace, joy, and peace—become sanctuaries for those who are united in Christ, possibly discouraged by circumstance but committed to each other and seeking deeper meaning. 

With hope in Christ, 

Doug Klassen – Mennonite Church Canada 
Shelby Boese – Mennonite Church British Columbia 
Tim Wiebe-Neufeld – Mennonite Church Alberta 
Len Rempel – Mennonite Church Saskatchewan 
Michael Pahl – Mennonite Church Manitoba 
Anthony Siegrist – Mennonite Church Eastern Canada