What is MCC?

What is Mennonite Central Committee?

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the relief, development and service arm of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada and the United States. It was founded in 1920 to respond to the needs of hungry people in the former Soviet Union. The name stems from the fact that it was a coming together of different Mennonite church groups into one "central" committee.

MCC Canada was founded in 1963. Today MCC is supported by 15 different Mennonite groups and the Brethren in Christ. At year-end MCC had 1,412 workers in 56 countries. This does not include the thousands of volunteers who quilt, work at thrift shops and relief sales, or give time in other ways to MCC. Without their support, MCC could not carry out its mission "in the name of Christ."

MCC operates at both a provincial and national level in Canada. There are five provincial MCCs: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. They are independently incorporated, with their own boards of directors, and carry the program and fundraising responsibilities in their province. Operations in Quebec and Atlantic Canada are the responsibility of the national office - MCC Canada - which also helps coordinate some initiatives with provincial offices.

Who are the Mennonites and Brethren in Christ?

Mennonites trace the origin of their church to the Anabaptist movement in 16th century Europe. They take their name from one of the early leaders, Menno Simons. At the heart of their faith is a belief in the authority of the Bible, following the teachings of Jesus, adult baptism and a commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Although most Canadian Mennonites are descendents of European immigrants, more and more Mennonite churches also include increasing numbers of more recent immigrants - from Chinese, Vietnamese and Central American traditions, as well as aboriginal people. Over half of the world's 975,000 Mennonites live in the southern hemisphere. For instance, Congo has more Mennonites than Canada.

The majority of Mennonite congregations in Canada are found in Ontario and western Canada. The highest concentration is found in Manitoba, followed by Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, with smaller numbers in Quebec and the Maritimes.

Brethren in Christ and Mennonites are related historically, but are not the same. Most of the founders of the Brethren in Christ Church in the 18th century were Mennonites. In 1788, less than a decade after the group emerged in Pennsylvania, the first of its members arrived in Ontario. The Brethren in Christ combine many elements of Anabaptism with Pietism, an emphasis on the Christian's personal relationship to God.

Mission Statement MCC seeks to demonstrate God's love through committed women and men who work "In the name of Christ" among people suffering from poverty, conflict, oppression and natural disaster. MCC serves as a channel for interchange between churches and community groups where we work around the world, and the North American churches who send us, so that all may grow and be transformed. MCC strives for peace, justice, and dignity of all people by sharing our experiences, resources and our faith in Jesus Christ.