Readers write

September 28, 2011 | Viewpoints | Number 19

Magazine makes for good ‘devotional’ reading



In your June 13 editorial, “Conversing in the ‘big tent,’” you say that Canadian Mennonite is primarily about reporting and dialogue, and not a devotional journal. As I read through some of the articles, editorial and stories of the pain in people’s lives, I found myself in devotion to God, who is with each one of us individually and in community as we journey through life and its coloured issues.



The Old Testament records a lot of David’s experiences and behaviours in his life. I see the Psalms as the devotional journal that resulted from those reports of his friends, family, neighbours and nations.



Thus, current experiences in personal, family, community and global life that inspire articles in this magazine are great fodder for repentance, prayer and devotion to our God, who sees us through when one of us or our spouses is struggling with addiction or going through a manic or depressive episode due to mental illness (“Building up God’s kingdom together,” Jan. 24, page 4); experiences the loss of a child (“The path of forgiveness,” May 16, page 27); or when one of God’s creatures is blatantly murdered by the military to protect our possessions and freedom (“Aiming at evil: Bin Laden’s death an occasion for soul searching,” May 16, page 13).



Maria Siemens Matty, Abbotsford, B.C.

Surprised by claim of unhappy First World Mennonites



Thank you for your Aug. 22 editorial, “A new Mennonite archetype.”



I celebrate with you the choice of César García as the general secretary-elect of Mennonite World Conference and appreciate your call for the North American Mennonite church to embrace the diversity of global Anabaptist churches.



I was surprised, however, by your claim that “North American and European Mennonites are not happy that they are no longer the majority.” I cannot ever recall hearing anyone express displeasure with this reality. It gives me great joy that there is such robust growth in the church of the Global South and East.



I recognize that in our wealth and power, Canadian Mennonites have much to learn about walking with our brothers and sisters in humility and grace. Still, if the North American church is indeed unhappy to lose its majority status, then we are in worse spiritual shape than I had imagined.



Brent Kipfer, Brussels, Ont.

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