Too concerned with outward appearances
by Galen Dise, Paradise, Pa.
Kudos to Debra Sapp-Yarwood for her excellent article “On Being a Convert” (Aug. 21). She challenges us to think outside our comfort zone and be more sensitive to newcomers in our church.
Based on Sapp-Yarwood’s experience, we may be paying lip service the concept of diversity in Mennonite Church USA, but in reality we are not truly receptive to newcomers. Rather than welcoming new members of different backgrounds, we prefer a membership for those who are white and of Swiss, German or Russian backgrounds.
Maybe as Mennonites we are too concerned about the outward appearance, family surnames or family history, which makes new converts uncomfortable in our churches. We need to reread the story of Peter’s vision and his subsequent speech and events at the home of Cornelius (Acts 10-11).
Those of us who come from Mennonite families should seek forgiveness for our poor attitudes and insensitivity.
Associated Issue: Church or family first? - Aug. 21, 2007
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