Mennonite Church USA Updates Ministerial Misconduct File Sharing to Include Agencies and Schools

Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) has revised its ministerial misconduct file sharing protocols to allow denominational agencies and related entities to access past misconduct records of credentialed leaders. According to Michael Danner, MC USA associate executive director of Church Vitality, the update aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the denomination’s practices.

Previously, the policy, established in 2017, permitted sharing of misconduct files only with the complainant, the accused, law enforcement, search committees, and area conference credentialing bodies. The new policy expands this access to include MC USA agencies and affiliated schools vetting credentialed leaders for volunteer or paid roles.

Danner emphasized that the updated protocols reflect MC USA’s commitment to improving policies and practices related to pastoral misconduct. The change was prompted by a December incident involving MennoMedia, an MC USA agency, which discovered a member of its Voices Together Hymnal committee had a history of sexual misconduct. At the time of vetting in 2016, the individual’s credentials had been restored by their conference, and MC USA lacked a file-sharing policy. Danner acknowledged that the existing policy did not provide MennoMedia with the necessary access to past misconduct information.

“We regret the information about past misconduct was not shared at the time and the pain this has caused,” Danner said, noting the absence of clear guidance for denominational staff on when and how to share such information in similar circumstances.

Danner also urged conference leaders to approach past misconduct files with discernment, particularly in cases where credentials have been restored. He emphasized the importance of clear communication to ensure that congregations, conferences, agencies, and related entities have accurate information to make informed decisions regarding engagement with credentialed leaders.

The updated policy allows the MC USA Leadership Discernment Committee and vetting agencies to inquire about a leader’s past misconduct. If misconduct is found, the agency will receive a report detailing the nature of the charge, the date, the resulting judgment, all sanctions, and the leader’s compliance. These reports are intended for agency use only.

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