CANADA
The Mennonite
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.
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