MCEC responds to allegations against Vernon Leis, deceased

The Mennonite
September 07, 2015

https://themennonite.org/daily-news/mcec-releases-statement-on-vernon-leis/

Last week, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada sent out a release saying it had received “an allegation of sexual and ethical misconduct” against Vernon Leis, deceased church leader, that was “compelling and credible.” Click here for a biography of Leis on GAMEO.

Leis, 60, was killed in a head-on collision while driving home in the late afternoon of Feb. 26, 1994, on Highway 7 near Baden. Pastor of East Zorra Mennonite Church, Leis, a well-known figure in the conference, was the first moderator of MCEC and chair of the Canadian Mennonite Publisher Service, among other positions, according to reporting by Canadian Mennonite. When contacted by Canadian Mennonite for a statement, the Leis family chose not to comment.

This is the statement released on Sept. 4:

Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) has received an allegation of sexual and ethical misconduct implicating a former credentialed pastor, Vernon Leis. In a situation such as this, MCEC typically removes the pastor from ministry until an investigation has been completed.

As part of such an investigation, the accused pastor is advised of the specifics of the accusation, and given an opportunity to respond and tell his/her side of the story.

The allegation is against a deceased pastor and therefore it was not possible to follow the usual investigative course, nor to give the pastor an opportunity to respond. MCEC’s Executive Council therefore established a task group to advise on how to respond to this unique situation. After review, MCEC is satisfied that the complainant’s account is sufficiently compelling and credible, despite MCEC’s inability to test it in the usual investigative fashion.

As a result of this review process, MCEC feels compelled to release the name of the pastor. This is an important step in facilitating the process of healing because it allows the affected parties and the wider faith community to confront a hidden truth and bring it into the light for healing. As painful as it may be, we as a faith community are called to support those paths that lead to healing and wholeness.

It saddens MCEC immensely to make this announcement about a much loved and respected pastor. It is a painful recognition of human sin and failure. In the midst of this challenging and painful situation, MCEC will do its best to walk alongside all those who are impacted.

MCEC holds all pastors to a high standard of ethical conduct. We want to assure congregations that we have policies, procedures, and training for pastoral leaders that promote safe and ethical interactions between pastors and participants in our faith communities. MCEC commits to ongoing review and strengthening of these safeguards. In addition, MCEC also has a web based resource for understanding, reporting, and responding to sexual misconduct by church leaders.

Our prayer is that God’s grace and compassionate love will support and enfold those most deeply affected. In the same spirit, your prayers are invited for everyone involved.