March 20, 2021
Good afternoon,
” To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
MCC might have some troubled past. I have heard rumours. I am now reading two books about German Mennonites and the Nazi regime. There is good evidence to see that German Mennonites served in many positions in the regime. They know that some men served in the killing squads of the Nazi SS and Gestapo. The church was part of the saying that Nazi Germany was a postive Christian state.
The German Mennonite Church held anti-semitic views throughout the Nazi years through World War II. If I would have lived in Germany, I might not have done anything different. It is hard to take a strong stance, when your life’s on the line. German Mennonites might have participated in the killing of Jewish people near Mennonite communities.
Then in post-war Europe MCC helped refugees to safety, and aided Mennonites to get to Paraguay , United States and Canada. Some Germans with a Nazi past came to MCC, and lied to the officials to get out of Europe. The question now is did MCC officials know that they were aiding Nazis to freedom ?
What did MCC know and when did they know ? MCC has hired an independent group to look at their associations during that time. What is the truth ? What about forgiveness ? What does it mean for MCC to be found guilty and complicit ? Herbert Oberlander’s ( of Waterloo )history is all part of this part of the story.
Prayer
Help us O Lord. AMEN.
Fred
Soaring like vultures lifted up by unseen Hands Trust, silent enters my fears Monica Pieper Landoni 2021
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