Description of the Peace and Justice Support Network

The mandate for the peace and justice support network is to strengthen Mennonite Church USA's commitment to peace and justice by equipping persons across the church called to this ministry and by encouraging the church to embody and communicate Christ's reconciling way.

A Peace and Justice Support Network will be an inclusive group, open to all in Mennonite Church USA who want to support in a special way the denominational work of peace and justice. The tasks of the support network include creating and keeping clear the vision of peace and justice in Mennonite Church USA; promoting the expansion of peace and justice capacities through program development, volunteer time; and designated financial contributions; sharing and publicizing resources; and providing counsel to MC USA agencies and Executive Board in the implementation of peace and justice ministries. Periodic gatherings will be held for inspiration, energizing, and providing feedback. Other channels of communication will also be used, including newsletters, list serves, and a web site.

A Peace and Justice Reference Committee will carry forward the priorities of the support network. The reference committee is ultimately responsible to the support network as represented by those who attend the biennial peace gathering. It will include two representatives from Mennonite Mission Network, two representatives from the Executive Board, two representatives from Mennonite-related peace and justice organizations, one representative elected by the peace gathering. Leo and Susan serve as co-staff for the support network. This group will choose their own facilitator. Reference committee members may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. The reference committee will meet in person up to twice each year with additional phone conferences as needed. Reference committee expenses will be paid from funds raised by the support network.

Relationship to Mennonite Church USA

The Peace and Justice Support Network relates to Mennonite Church USA through peace and justice staff of the Mennonite Mission Network and the Executive Board.

Relationship to Mennonite Mission Network

The Peace and Justice Support Network helps shape priorities of Mennonite Mission Network, makes recommendations on the use of network-raised funds, and promotes the funding of the peace and justice work of Mennonite Mission Network. Mennonite Mission Network will provide support services for the network, managing mailings and other logistics as needed with the help of network volunteers.

Relationship to Executive Board

The Peace and Justice Support Network makes decisions about funding for Executive Board peace and justice work.

Financial Agent

Mennonite Mission Network will be the financial agent for the Peace and Justice Support Network, soliciting and receipting funds. The Peace and Justice Reference Committee will participate in budget formation for the peace and justice functions of Mennonite Mission Network, including funds given to the Executive Board to pay for work done out of that office.