Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference Begins Reparations for Harmful Credentialing Interviews

Conference seeks accountability, repair through listening and response invitation.

Goshen, IN, April 11, 2023—The Ministry Credentialing Team (MCT) of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference (IMMC) has become aware that some credentialing interviews of the past have caused harm due to institutional tension and fear. Though the credentialing approach of MCT has moved toward one of collaboration and trust in congregational discernment, there is a desire within the team and the conference to create spaces to hear stories, extend an institutional apology, and offer grace and healing through a shared ritual. The first step in this journey is the release of this letter inviting those who have been negatively impacted to participate in listening process.

“We hurt people, and MCT hopes to listen, learn, and (where possible) repair and restore what has been broken. It is our intent to open up a listening process to allow anyone who was negatively impacted to share with us in the format that feels most comfortable to them: written or in person, anonymous or named. We acknowledge that people who wish to share with us may not be the interviewee themselves, but their loved one, their mentor, or someone else affected by our unfair practices. We are committed to hearing these stories from those willing to share them.”

This is intended to be the first step on a road toward repair as an institution and marks an important point in the history of a conference seeking to live out our vision as a “Community of Congregations, Centered on Jesus… Acting through Grace, Love, and Peace…”

For those wishing to submit a written account or to arrange for an in-person meeting with a member of the current MCT, please reach out by email at MCT@im.mennonite.net or by mail to Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference, ATTN: MCT Listening Process, PO Box 702, Goshen, IN 46527.