In recent years, some Mennonite institutions have taken Mennonite out of their names. This includes Mennonite Center for Refugee Support ( MCRS) which is now Compass Refugee Center. Mennonite Savings and Credit Union is now named Kindred Credit Union. Mennonite Foundation became Abundance a few years ago. And MennoHomes is set to have a new name soon, taking Menno out of their name.
The main reason is to broaden the reach of these institutions. If we have Mennonite in the name, some people think they cannot be a part of it. They think they cannot be a volunteer or donate to a good cause. I have not researched that the name changes made have helped any of these good institutions. In their mission/vision statements they have kept the same values as before. Hans Borch, a local retired Lutheran pastor, told me that he and his church would donate to MennoHomes if they would take out the Menno in the name.
Mennonites in the Netherlands were called Mennists ( meaning manure ), so we did not choose the name for our ministry. It was chosen by people who did not appreciate the way Mennists followed Christ. I lament the loss of Mennonite in some of our names, but I think it is the right thing to do. If these changes allow us to do even more good in our world, praise God. What do you think ?
” Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Tomorrow : The Mennonite Church in Canada.
Fred
Chaos in the winds Scattering my troubled thoughts to land on soft clouds Monica Pieper Landoni 2022
