Developing Resolutions for Mennonite Church USA (download PDF )

Background

In the conferences and denominations of our past, we have understood and used denominational resolutions in a variety of ways. Some of us come from a tradition of working diligently toward consensus, with an implicit expectation that the resulting statement is binding on the whole church. Others understood a denominational statement to become binding on congregations of an area conference only after that conference reaffirmed the statement. Still others of us come from a tradition that vigorously debated issues and then voted on them, without an expectation that the resulting statements would be affirmed by the whole church or treated as binding agreements.

With the formation of Mennonite Church USA, it is important for us to understand our various traditions and lingering expectations, yet also name a common understanding of the purpose of denominational resolutions and how they are formed.

Purpose of resolutions

Resolutions are tools of the church intended to:

• Educate – Resolutions can provide information about issues facing the church and can help our congregations and members better understand viewpoints and experiences beyond their current awareness.
• Build consensus – While it is not necessary for us to arrive at unanimous approval in order to pass a resolution, careful work toward common understandings and language can build unity in the church. Resolutions will not be considered binding on members and congregations of Mennonite Church USA unless identified as having that intent from the beginning of the process.
• Provide a denominational understanding, while acknowledging dissenting voices – Resolutions offer church members as well as those beyond our denomination a better understanding of our denomination’s positions. When we are not united in our viewpoints, resolutions can name both our areas of agreement and areas of differing views, in hopes of fostering better understanding and ongoing discernment.
• Provide a foundation for member advocacy to government – Rather than viewing the primary purpose of resolutions as statements our denomination sends to the government on our behalf, resolutions can be more effective as resources for individuals and congregations as they address legislative bodies.

Preferred process for developing resolutions

In order to best accomplish the purposes described above, we are committed to:

• Begin with a careful study process involving congregations – Major issues will be processed best if study documents are developed and distributed – before resolutions are crafted.
• Create a safe space for all voices to be heard – Honest discernment will not shut off differing viewpoints.
• Seek to understand the stories behind our differing viewpoints – Rather than arguing positions, we will search for common ground through hearing how we have come to our various perspectives.
• Involve significant delegate discussion in table groups – We will commit adequate time for hearing each other’s viewpoints and giving feedback to the whole delegate body.
• Allow for segmented consideration – If delegates agree on most parts of a resolution but not on a particular part, the Executive Board will have the option of testing delegate response on a section-by- section basis.
• Set a high threshold for adoption – The more important we consider a decision to be, the higher our level of agreement should be. If a simple majority vote does not seem appropriate, the Executive Board will suggest a percentage needed to adopt a particular resolution.

An alternative process for developing resolutions to respond to issues at hand

When it is important to respond to a situation of more immediacy, some aspects of this preferred approach might not be appropriate. In these times, the Resolutions Committee may present resolutions for delegate discernment without going through a congregational study process. However, if it is determined that delegates are significantly divided by an issue, it may still be preferred to delay adopting a resolution until more study and discernment are possible.

The role of the Resolutions Committee

At each Mennonite Church USA Delegate Assembly, a Resolutions Committee appointed by the Executive Board has the role and authority to receive and edit ideas for resolutions. A proposal given to the Resolutions Committee should carry the signatures of 10 or more delegates from at least three different area conferences and must be received by the Resolutions Committee by noon of the third day.

The Resolutions Committee, after consultation as needed with the framers of the original resolution, will discern which resolutions should be developed for future consideration, which resolutions should be dealt with during the current Delegate Assembly, and which perspectives should be shared with the Executive Board for their awareness and discernment.

Suggested format for resolutions

We recommend that resolutions be crafted with the following theological framework:

• Faith – what we believe and affirm.
• Hope – our vision of God’s intention for members, congregations, our denomination, and/or the world.
• Love – what compassion, justice, and righteousness require of us.

This framework may not serve the purposes of all resolutions, but where possible, the use of this framework can help keep the focus on God’s work in our world and in our midst.

Approved by Mennonite Church USA Executive Board
April 2005