Central District Conference Revisits Confession’s Article on Marriage and Family

Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA is revisiting its relationship to the “Family, Singleness and Marriage” article in the denomination’s Confession of Faith. This reassessment follows questions from congregations interested in joining the conference but hesitant due to the Confession’s definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. These congregations are concerned that the Confession does not align with denominational and conference statements on LGBTQ+ inclusion and family life.

The Central District has initiated discussions to refine its welcoming message, both for its own benefit and to assist congregations seeking to join the conference from outside the Anabaptist tradition. While both Mennonite Church USA and Central District have affirmed statements of repentance and transformation, the Confession’s language remains a barrier for those unfamiliar with the work of repair with LGBTQ+ people.

At their annual meeting June 25-27 at Eastern Mennonite University, Central District delegates discussed Article 19 in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, the 1995 document that serves MC USA and Mennonite Church Canada. They shared a desire for a positive statement about the covenant relationship between two people and the valuing of many types of family beyond the traditional nuclear family.

One table expressed concern that marriages in the Bible rarely fit the modern cultural stereotype and that a primary theme in the Gospels is the idea of chosen family. Covenant relationships between two people are important and occur within the family of God. “Beloved community seems to be broader than the care for biological family,” one group stated. There are many types of families, which include adopted children or adopted parents, blended families and intergenerational families. All depend on caring relationships.

Delegates listed respect, equality, mutual care and consent as important features of a positive sexual ethic. One group noted Anabaptist commitments to nonviolence should inform all of life, including covenanted relationships. There was a desire for couples to consider how they are thriving together and how they can serve God and help the world to thrive.

Conference minister Doug Luginbill was impressed with participants’ energy and engagement. “My pastor, Phil Yoder, told me this was the richest conversation about human sexuality he had in this kind of a setting,” Luginbill said. “He found it refreshing and hopeful. . . . I believe the open and honest reflection demonstrates our conference’s commitment to generous hospitality.”

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