THE
editorials
MESSENGER
Influences and decision-making
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s it makes decisions, the EMC faces many influences. As an evangelical body we are influenced, according to historian Alister McGrath, by the movements of the Magisterial Reformation (16th century), Puritanism (16th and 17 th centuries), and Pietism (17 th and 18th centuries). As an Anabaptist body, we are influenced by the Radical Reformation (16th century), histories in Prussia (now Poland) and Russia (now Ukraine), by movement to Canada in 1874, North American fundamentalism and evangelicalism, immigration and emigration of DGR Mennonites in the 1920s and ’40s and later, and members from many cultures and church backgrounds. We are shaped by moving from a largely rural community that settled in near-pioneer conditions to an often middle- and upper-class wealth with a growing urban shift.
We are affected by the institutions we founded and others we support, influenced by the company we keep, altered by the education we accept or reject, and shaped by the technology we bring into our homes. Given this, is it any wonder that EMCers vary in opinions and sometimes disagree? Is it any surprise that we need to discuss, discern, and decide? Enclosed is the Convention Insert with board and committee reports, election information, and more. These materials are relevant for all EMC churches from B.C. to southern Ontario; they properly assume all churches will send delegates to our decision-making sessions in July. Being a conference is a choice rooted in Jesus and reflected in historical connections, shared convictions, and joint ministries. Terry M. Smith
EMCers near a mushroom patch
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wo important steps were recently taken in nuclear weapons talks. The U.S. and Russia agreed to reduce their nuclear weapon stockpiles and the Nuclear Security Summit focused on greater security for weaponsgrade uranium. Related to this, the Canadian government has indicated that it will return some enriched uranium to the U.S. Why should we care? Simply because the gospel and nuclear weapons do not match. Nuclear weapons threaten people made in God’s image who live in His world. We are to “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11). Does seeking a “tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2) mean tolerating the prospect of a mushroom cloud? What would the One who disarmed Peter say?
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THE MESSENGER | May 2010
How many EMCers in Manitoba who enjoy cross border shopping in North Dakota ever pause to consider that they are driving closer to where nuclear missiles are housed? (Currently about half of our EMC churches and a majority of our members reside in Manitoba.) A major war, a terrorist attack, or an accident could mean a tragedy. (By mistake an airplane with six armed nuclear weapons flew from North Dakota in 2007.) The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki happened about 70 years after the EMC came to Canada. Now, almost as many years later, we seem de-sensitized to nuclear weapons. On the world stage much needs to happen, but even modest positive steps to reduce the nuclear threat deserve to be supported. Terry M. Smith
EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman rroman@emconf.ca
Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca THE MESSENGER is the monthly publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. THE MESSENGER is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man. Subscriptions: Canadian subscriptions are $24 for one year, $44 for two years, $65 for three years (Manitoba residents add 7% PST); U.S. subscriptions are $30 for one year, $55 for two years, $82 for three years; all other countries are $45 for one year, $85 for two years, $125 for three years . Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents. THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. ISSN #0701-3299 PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through its various programs, toward our production and mailing costs. Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca
MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 7 – June issue (copy due May 28) On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
