As Mosaic Mennonite Conference prepares for the Fall Delegate Assembly on November 1, which includes a vote on whether to discontinue membership with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) and cultivate healthy mutual partnerships with MC USA, Mennonite World Conference and other Anabaptist communities, the Mosaic board and staff hosted a series of eight delegate preparation meetings in late September and early October 2025.
These gatherings, held in person in Pennsylvania and California and on Zoom, in English, Spanish, and with Indonesian interpretation, offered space for information sharing, reflection, clarification, and feedback for over 130 participants, representing the diverse body of Mosaic congregations.
In line with Mosaic’s commitment to two-way communication, we thank delegates for their thoughtful engagement. This article highlights key themes, shared insights, and questions that arose during the sessions.
Overview of the Delegate Sessions
The sessions each began with a prayer and a reflection on the Fall Delegate Assembly theme text, Acts 1:6-8, followed by presentations from Mosaic Conference board and staff. These presentations (see accompanying slides in English) reviewed the timeline of the affiliation discernment process and outlined the rationale for the recommended discontinuation of membership in MC USA.
Mosaic board members shared frustrations with MC USA’s lack of acknowledgement and responsiveness to concerns around polity, intercultural practices, and global partnerships. They also referenced the use of power dynamics, communication gaps, and inconsistent dynamics between private and public discourse. The board shared updates that have transpired since the board was tasked with implementing the recommendation to seek partnership, rather than membership, with MC USA, including MC USA’s unanimous denial—with minimal explanation—of Mosaic’s proposal to become a program entity within the denomination, and MC USA leadership’s unwillingness to meet in August or September to discuss next steps.
Delegates were reminded that this recommendation does not seek to sever relationships but seeks new forms of partnership.
The sessions also introduced the ballot process, including the meaning of abstentions and the use of colored ballots, with attention to ensuring clarity for non-English speakers.
Mosaic staff also introduced the Centering Document, which helps articulate the Conference’s “centered-set” relational posture, with Jesus as our center.
Delegate Feedback and Reflections
The tone of the eight meetings varied significantly. Some gatherings were marked by grief over the potential shift in long-standing denominational ties. Others were marked by affirmation, with few questions or concerns raised. Others focused on practical questions of implementation.
Overall, delegates expressed trust in Mosaic leadership and an appreciation of honesty, even as tensions persist around identity, inclusion, and future direction.
Regina Valensia, a member of Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center and of the Pathway Steering Team, reflected on the diversity of voices during the Oct. 5 meeting. “I shared insights into the communication struggles we had with MC USA throughout the Pathway process that persist until today.”
She continued, “Experiencing each other’s emotions, convictions, and doubts sparked new perspectives. When we come together to discuss difficult topics and can coexist with love, it is a sign that the Holy Spirit is with us.”
Jordan Luther, a pastor at Methacton Mennonite (Eaglesville, PA), reflected on the palpable tension in the room at the Sept. 30 in-person meeting, saying, “Many delegates shared concerns with the Board’s recommendation to discontinue membership with MC USA and the anticipated consequences. It is hard to know how to hold the impasse between the leadership of MC USA and Mosaic as a delegate and the uncertainty following Assembly, whatever the delegates decide.”
He shared a challenge that has emerged for him, “What does faith that seeks understanding look like in this context? How can I both respect church leadership while also prophetically holding space for those who are often marginalized by our U.S. church systems—immigrants, queer and trans folk, non-English speakers, and the poor?”
Tomás Ramírez, pastor of Iglesia Menonita Luz y Vida (Orlando, FL), expressed affirmation for the Sept. 25 meeting’s clarity and vision. “The board is giving us a clear idea of who we want to be as a Conference. The meeting felt productive because it helped put us on the same page and gave us a space to imagine the future of Mosaic.”
Regarding affiliation, Ramírez added, “The Pathways Team was clear in their recommendation. Working beyond a U.S.-based denomination, with a broader global reach, looks more promising.”
He continued, “The challenge of Mosaic is that it is trying to unite people of many perspectives and colors. We still need to organize together. The MWC Shared Convictions can be our guide. Mosaic will grow, we will have challenges, and we may fail. But we must allow the Spirit to guide us. God will help us.”
Questions Raised
Delegates asked a range of thoughtful and challenging questions, such as:
- How does the Centering Document interact with existing theological and policy documents?
- How will Mosaic maintain theological and structural coherence in a “centered set” model?
- Does Mosaic intend to clarify its stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion?
- What resources (financial, relational, institutional) would Mosaic lose by discontinuing MC USA membership?
- Has MC USA already left Mosaic in spirit?
- If the vote fails, what happens next? (answer: Mosaic remains a member conference of MC USA)
- Could Mosaic operate as a “parallel entity” to MC USA?
- What would mutual partnership with MC USA look like in practice?
In response to some of the most-asked questions, Mosaic created a FAQ Document for 2025. Articles in Mosaic News also continue to address some of these questions and concerns.
As the November 1 Delegate Assembly approaches, Mosaic delegates have an important responsibility to discern the way forward for Mosaic in relating to MC USA and its broader identity as a global Anabaptist community.
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message about this article, contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.