Our current struggles/tensions

Conference Affiliation

In February of 2023, New York Mennonite Conference (NYMC) decided to affirm same-sex marriage. This was a change from the previous restriction placed on leaders not to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. Many members of the congregation believe homosexual practices to be sinful and felt convicted to discontinue affiliation with NYMC over this shift in values. Other members preferred to remain a part of NYMC while maintaining the congregational conviction that marriage is reserved for a man and a woman. 
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Through a two-year discernment and discussion process, utilizing the Peaceful Practices curriculum from Mennonite Central Committee, our congregation decided to part ways peacefully with NYMC. It is not our desire to be an independent congregation. Therefore, the next phase of our process is to discern together our future affiliation where we can receive accountability and leadership credentialing.

Dealing with our sin

While generally in agreement that God's word teaches directly against sin of all kinds and clearly defines controversial acts as sinful, we are not inclined to exclude sinners from our body because that would leave the church empty on Sunday mornings. We seek  to provide a loving atmosphere for all sinners to find Christ and the redemption He offers. We will continue to grapple with how this looks just as the denomination and other Christian churches are throughout the world.