Our History - Who We Were
MAC dates back to 1973, when the ecumenical movement was at its heyday, and judicatory leaders had ecumenism high on their list of priorities. Prior to 1973 there was a smaller group of Protestants, but it did not include the Lutherans, and it did not include the Catholics. MAC was designed like many of the statewide ecumenical ministries, using some of the structures and terminology of the worldwide ecumenical bodies, like the World Council of Churches. The structure assumed broad judicatory support, both financial and in terms of participation. The Commissions did their work, the judicatory heads attended the meetings, and appointed people to serve on the commissions and do the work of MAC, which included putting on workshops and educational meetings across the state, framing public policy position statements, advocating in the legislature, and promoting ecumenism around the state.
Among the programs and activities sponsored by MAC over the years were: Junior Citizens Camp’ Rural Ministry Outreach; Farm Crisis hotline; education and advocacy around hate groups, including the adoption of a statement on Distortion of the Gospel; clergy continuing education events with nationally known scholars; annual assembly; collaboration with other groups including Abolition Coalition. MAC has been one of the few voices in the Legislature to speak consistently against gambling, and to support children’s issues.
Over the years, MAC changed in staff and in focus. In the 90’s in particular the staff grew and shrank based on grants for projects Grant money funded positions for farm crisis/rural ministry, for hate group work, for lobbying. When the office moved from Billings to Helena, the board made a decision to stop funding through grants and to concentrate on denominational funding.
MAC has always been a voice for justice, an ecumenical Christian witness, and a place where lasting friendships have been made.
Among the programs and activities sponsored by MAC over the years were: Junior Citizens Camp’ Rural Ministry Outreach; Farm Crisis hotline; education and advocacy around hate groups, including the adoption of a statement on Distortion of the Gospel; clergy continuing education events with nationally known scholars; annual assembly; collaboration with other groups including Abolition Coalition. MAC has been one of the few voices in the Legislature to speak consistently against gambling, and to support children’s issues.
Over the years, MAC changed in staff and in focus. In the 90’s in particular the staff grew and shrank based on grants for projects Grant money funded positions for farm crisis/rural ministry, for hate group work, for lobbying. When the office moved from Billings to Helena, the board made a decision to stop funding through grants and to concentrate on denominational funding.
MAC has always been a voice for justice, an ecumenical Christian witness, and a place where lasting friendships have been made.
Today - Who We Have Become
From Bishop Jessica Crist, Montana Synod, ELCA
Past President of MAC
Past President of MAC
Things change. We no longer live in 1973. MAC changes, too. In 1973, there were 2 Lutheran churches who were a part of MAC. In 1988, they merged. Since 1988, the ELCA (the merger of the Lutherans) has entered into 6 full communion agreements with other denominations, 4 of which are also MAC founding members. In addition, we have entered into some significant agreements with Catholics, and with the Jewish community. That’s just the Lutheran story, but it illustrates how the ecumenical and inter-religious landscape has changed significantly since 1973. I think that organizations like MAC have helped bring us to where we are today. And I also think that because we are where we are, we don’t need MAC to be for us what it once was.
MAC today is a looser, less structured and more open organization, with room for judicatories, congregations, individuals and ministries to be members. I think that is a good thing. The down side is that people don’t know it. I was recently with 2 historic fans of MAC, on a pastor and one a former judicatory head, and when I suggested that they become individual members of MAC, they were dumbfounded. “Really?” they said. “Really,” I said. Totally new concept.
MAC today is in transition from what was to what it will be. I am excited by our newer younger leadership in both Council and Coordinator. My hope for MAC is that it will continue to be a fresh and persistent voice for justice, and that it will be a public face of a Christianity that is non-judgmental and based on love, not fear. Communication is crucial, as is telling the story.
MAC today is a looser, less structured and more open organization, with room for judicatories, congregations, individuals and ministries to be members. I think that is a good thing. The down side is that people don’t know it. I was recently with 2 historic fans of MAC, on a pastor and one a former judicatory head, and when I suggested that they become individual members of MAC, they were dumbfounded. “Really?” they said. “Really,” I said. Totally new concept.
MAC today is in transition from what was to what it will be. I am excited by our newer younger leadership in both Council and Coordinator. My hope for MAC is that it will continue to be a fresh and persistent voice for justice, and that it will be a public face of a Christianity that is non-judgmental and based on love, not fear. Communication is crucial, as is telling the story.