The Ministerial Leadership Commission (MLC) of Western District Conference oversees
the credentialing process for ministers. Only in the last few years have LGBTQ pastors
been eligible for credentialing in WDC. After the passing of the MCUSA Resolution for
Repentance and Transformation in 2022, the MLC began to look at their history of
exclusion of LGBTQ pastors from credentialing, and asking what repentance means. In
1984 John Linscheid was pastor at Lawrence Mennonite Fellowship, now known as
Peace Mennonite Church. Western District was subsidizing LMF, and when John came
out as gay, WDC withdrew their financial support, resulting in LMF’s decision to
terminate John’s position.

MLC reached out to John several months ago, communicating a desire to offer
repentance for the harm done to him, and inviting John to suggest what kind of
restitution would be meaningful for him. He has suggested that WDC offer an official,
public apology and restore his pastoral license, which he would publicly acknowledge
and accept. MLC and the Executive Board of WDC affirm these proposals, although the
exact nature of how we will implement those steps has not been clarified.

MLC and the Executive Board are working on how and when the apology would be
communicated to John. The MLC wants Peace Mennonite Church to know about this
process and invites you to participate in this apology in the way that you determine is
appropriate for you.

Cynthia Neufeld Smith, chair, MLC