![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.cmu.ca\/media_archive\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/june18mcmbchurch.jpg\" "\\"june18mcmbchurch\\"")
<\/a>Canadian Mennonite University today welcomed well respected denominational leaders on campus as part of its ongoing commitment to maintain vital relationships with two church bodies, Mennonite Church Canada and the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.\u00a0 2010 marks significant leadership transitions within both denominations.<\/p>\nJack Suderman, Executive Secretary of Mennonite Church Canada, retires on July 23 after serving in this capacity since 2005.\u00a0 David Wiebe, Executive Director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, transitions from his leadership position at the end of 2010, having served in this capacity since July of 2000.<\/p>\n
At the invitation of CMU, Suderman and Wiebe today joined faculty and staff for a time of reflection, at which event the University acknowledged the significance of their leadership commitments and created an opportunity for conversation with CMU faculty and staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt proved to be an absorbing hour of interaction as both church leaders reflected on the present and future of each denomination,\u201d says CMU Vice President (External) Terry Schellenberg. \u201cBoth David and Jack expressed gratitude and joy in the personal and congregational relationships which they have cultivated during their leadership tenure.\u00a0Each reflected on the deep and faithful integrity of so many within the church.\u00a0And each spoke about the present reality of their respective denominations and the challenges their churches face within Canadian society.\u201d\u00a0 Suderman and Wiebe also identified the hope and optimism they hold in and for the church in the coming decades, even as they spoke about the significance of the challenges that lie ahead for the church.<\/p>\n
This was an important opportunity for a university community, committed to be a \u2018university of the church for the world,\u2019 to be in direct dialogue with leaders of the church with whom they partner.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDavid and Jack affirmed the work and importance of faith and leadership formation as it is occurring at CMU,\u201d said Schellenberg. \u201cThey reflected on the fact that each of their children graduated from CMU, with each having been formed deeply by their experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
CMU faculty and staff expressed gratitude for the leadership and vision that each has embodied and affirmed the importance of ongoing connections between university and church.<\/p>\n
A Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, CMU offers undergraduate degrees as well as two graduate degree programs. CMU has over 1,800 students, including MSC and Outtatown students, and is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).<\/p>\n