HATCH, MATCH, DISPATCH—THE DEMISE OF JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY
As I have been working through the many papers that Susan had in her files—editorials, questioning documents, interviews, and conference notes—I found a small 4 by 6 note written at some convention. I found her thoughts unsettling as she grappled with decisions being made at a convention. She did not date this small memo pad, which was uncharacteristic of her.
The following is her note, filled in with thoughts from me that hopefully highlight her intentions.
HATCH, MATCH, DISPATCH
The above statement was the header on the notes from Susan. Because she mentions a piece by Bruce Enns, it could have been noted back in December, 2016, although it probably occurred several years earlier.
She was very concerned about the future of the MB Herald as she wrote, “Is this the beginning of something else. There has to be some form of communication to hold the Conference together”. She felt that interaction, often showing different points of view, was essential but was now missing. The MB Conference identity was now almost unrecoverable. Susan noted that many conferences are losing membership because “churches are no longer dependent on each other.” Attendance at a convention was becoming unimportant for many church members.
She then reflected back on the possible demise of the MB Herald, as she stated, “Is this the normal evolution of a paper? What is the need? We need something to keep us together.”
As Susan listened to the discussions, she noted “the financial implications of the conference” may mean we should support other Mennonite organization. This was hard for Susan because she was a committed MB staff person, hoping against all odds that communication tools, such as the MB Herald could continue.
She recognized that the “next generation no longer has ties to specific churches, especially because of the ease of mobility”. She then finished her notes with concerns beyond the MB Herald as she wrote, “What happens to the Seminary, etc.?”
Susan and I had frequent conversations about the future of the MB Conference and the various churches. She projected a prophetic voice as she stated that the MB Conference would not survive unless the person in the pew was considered a valuable part of the whole. She strongly believed that the “top down” structure in which the Executive basically decided what was to happen would lead to the demise, not only of the MB Herald, but to the downsizing of most other ministries, if continuing at all.
Susan retired from the MB Herald some years ago, but saw the proverbial ‘handwriting on the wall’ concerning the Conference. She was right in so many respects. The “Executive” not the “Membership” pushes an agenda which continues to solidify power with a handful. What has this to do with the long-standing Anabaptist theology that the congregation is where decisions are made?
Susan passed away just as the Queer community issues were coming to the fore. She was very concerned because she always stated that she would believe “nothing that detracts from the love and goodness of God.”(Paul Hebert) Everyone was a child of God; a person loved by God.I think she must be turning restlessly in her grave–how could the Church be so blind and not love all that come within her doors. Inclusion would be her preferred stance.
Post Script:
In April 2018, Susan wrote in a devotional about the MB Herald. This is how she ended her editorial.
The MB Herald has been a part of my life since my young adult hears, beginning with the Mennonite Observer, and then the actual MB Herald. It provided information and news for us about churches across the country when we lived outside of Canada, and a basis for getting to know the churches more intimately when we were in Canada. The People news (births, weddings, deaths) helped us know what friends and acquaintances were experiencing even when they lived a distance from us. It was always heartening to read about the additions to churches, reading about our schools and camps and about the impact they were having on our constituency. The news articles about negative things were cause for prayer and concern.
There have been many inspirational articles over the years; columnists who challenged our thinking and who helped us as a Conference come to a consensus about issues. The Letters page was one section where anyone could express a concern or joy about our churches. It was a bellwether of the rank and file thinking.
Her last paragraph goes as follows:
These features helped to shape our Conference and to maintain a cohesiveness among us. When many of these features were removed and replaced with Conference promotional articles, interest waned and readership dwindled. With the Herald ceasing publication entirely, the little bit of glue that held us together is gone, and churches no longer feel connected to each other and responsible for each other. It is imperative that we strengthen the Conference and retain the communication arm for the ongoing health of our churches and Conference.
After reading her notes and the above editorial, I realize again that Susan had a prophetic voice, sounding the alarm for the MB Conference. However, the men in leadership in the Conference were convinced that they needed to control any and all communications. This included the MB Herald and so it became a informational piece of the Executive. No more open discussions, no more challenging articles, and finally, no more print MB Herald.
What is next to go? Churches are leaving the Conference, or are being censored and finally removed. As Susan so aptly said, she could believe nothing that detracts from the love and goodness of God. How is the Conference demonstrating this love? Susan would be filled with sorrow as she observed this destruction of the life-giving love from God.
ElderWisdom 