In 2018, Ardean Friesen asked his church to begin the process of discerning whether the congregation would become open and affirming. The two-year inclusion process let him know that he has a seat at the table.
by Ardean Friesen for Mennonite Church USA Menno Snapshots
Ardean Friesen lives in Goshen, Indiana, with his dog, Millie. He is a graduate of Hesston College and Goshen College and has held an active nursing license for 41 years. He is a member of Silverwood Mennonite Church, where he serves on the church board and is chair of the worship commission.
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In October 2018, I began my journey for inclusion at Silverwood Mennonite Church. At that time, I met with the church board and asked them to go through a process of discernment concerning becoming an open and welcoming church. I was at a stage in my life in which I needed to know if I belonged at the same table as everyone else in the congregation. My hope was to be able to at least sit at the same table, but as I have learned, I needed to know if I belonged there, as well. […]
