What we are and what we do
Relief: Meeting people’s immediate needs during times of crisis, such as a hurricane or war, and working toward disaster prevention and mitigation.
Development: Strengthening people’s access to education and sustainable food, water, healthcare and livelihoods.
Peace: Teaching peacebuilding and conflict resolutions skills, facilitating dialogue between religions and advocating for justice.
Purpose
A worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, MCC shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice.
Who
MCC has more than 1,000 workers to carry out our mission, based in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. Overseas, MCC works in partnership with churches, communities, and faith-based and civil society organizations. Every year more than 100 young adults from around the world leave their homes to serve in another country through MCC’s Global Service Learning programs.
Finances
MCC’s financial support comes primarily from individuals and congregations of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada and the United States and also from a wide variety of generous individuals who identify with the mission and values of MCC. MCC thrift shops and relief sales supply about 20 percent of MCC’s $77.6 million budget. Many supporters can meat and donate material resources, such as comforters and relief kits full of supplies, to be sent to people in the midst of crisis.
Organization
MCC Canada and MCC U.S. jointly operate MCC’s international program. Individually they are responsible for domestic programming and fundraising in each country. The MCC Canada office is in Winnipeg, Man., but staff members also are located in regional offices throughout Canada.
Advocacy
MCC U.S. advocates with the Canadian government and the United Nations regarding peace and justice issues in countries where we work. Those offices are in Ottawa, and New York City.
History
MCC was formed when representatives of various Mennonite conferences met July 27-28, 1920, in Elkhart, Ind., and pledged to aid hungry people, including Mennonites, in Russia and Ukraine.
Mennonites and Brethren in Christ
Mennonites and Brethren in Christ trace the origin of their denominations to the Anabaptist movement in 16th century Europe. At the heart of the faith of both is following Jesus in daily living, the importance of Scripture, adult baptism and a commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Terminology we prefer
Please use service workers or MCC workers, not missionaries, to refer to people who serve with MCC in countries outside of Canada and the U.S.
Please use Mennonite Central Committee, not “the Mennonite Central Committee”
Our tagline:
Mennonite Central Committee: Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ