Mennonite Church Canada Assembly and People's Summit

In February 2008, a group of young Canadian Mennonites concerned about the status of lgbt Mennonites in the church, began meeting. Troubled that the church had not followed through on its stated commitment to dialogue and conversation and aware that the full range of voices, particularly those supportive of lgbt inclusion, were not being heard in the church, the group launched the Postcard Project. The concept was simple: individuals were invited to write their support on a postcard and send it to the Project to be shared and/or displayed.

Over 100 postcards were collected and put on display at a space that was rented at a high school located near Canadian Mennonite University, the site of the 2008 Delegate Assembly and People’s Summit (space at CMU was not permitted). In addition to the Postcard Project, the area was used to display welcoming resources, host a brown bag luncheon, and house a BMC table. Due to the cost of the space, display times were limited, but the area saw significant traffic and garnered a lot of interest, with guests numbering over 150 (out of approximately 575 Assembly/Summit participants).  The space offered an opportunity for conversation, gathering with friends, and education.  It was artistic, beautiful, and an inspiring example of what welcome might look like in the church.

Postcards are still being collected.  To learn more, go to www.mymennochurch.ca

Melody, Matt, Kirsten, and Jacob

The My Menno Church Steering Committee