Homosexuality in the Mennonite Church

One of the primary issues facing the Mennonite Church in North America today is the issue of inclusion for homosexuals in the church. 

Granted, this issue has been discussed for a long time now; but prior to 2009, a gag order had been in place, essentially putting this particular discussion on hiatus for decade or so (that is, at the denominational and conference levels anyway. Individual congregations could still have discussions as they so pleased).

The gag order understandably came into place due to the newly forming Mennonite Church USA—presumably to allow the new denomination to settle-in after the merger from two separate denominations, and iron out all of the kinks that goes along with that before engaging in such a divisive issue. 

So, for ten years, no one was allowed to express their opinions openly concerning homosexuality…that is, until Columbus ’09.

The Olympic Spirit

I do not think it is a big surprise to anyone who knows me that I am a sports fan (particularly when it comes to the sport of soccer…or as I like to call it: football). So naturally when international competitions come around every other year, invariably my eyes are always glued to whichever screen I can get them gazing upon; and this year’s Summer Olympics in London, England was no exception.

Of course there are specific events that I prefer over others, but our television was primary tuned in regardless over the last two weeks. And I would never want to miss one of my favorite spectacles of the Olympic Games: the Closing Ceremony.