Purpose
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, 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.
What we are and what we do
MCC is a nonprofit, charitable organization that works in 47 countries in the areas of relief, development and peace.
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.
Advocacy
MCC U.S. advocates with the U.S. government and the United Nations regarding peace and justice issues in countries where we work. Those offices are in Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Staff
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 with Anabaptist beliefs and a wide variety of generous individuals who identify with the mission and values of MCC. MCC thrift shops and relief sales supplied about 25 percent of MCC’s $82.7 million (2018-2019) budget. Many supporters can meat and donate material resources, such as comforters and relief kits packed with hygiene supplies to be sent to people in the midst of crisis.
History
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) was formed when representatives of various Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren groups met in July 1920 in Elkhart, Indiana, and pledged to aid hungry people, including Mennonites in southern Russia (present-day Ukraine). The first feeding operations began March 16, 1922, at Khortitsa. MCC sent a shipment of 25 tractors and plows to southern Russia in June 1922.
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.
MCC U.S. is governed by a board that includes representation from numerous Anabaptist denominations.
The MCC U.S. office is in Akron, Pa., but staff members also are located in regional offices throughout the U.S., including Fresno, California; Goshen, Indiana; North Newton, Kansas; and Philadelphia.
Anabaptist churches
Amish, Brethren in Christ, Mennonites, Mennonite-Brethren and trace the origin of their denominations to the Anabaptist movement in 16th century Europe. At the heart of the their faith is following Jesus in daily living, the importance of Scripture, adult baptism and a commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Terminology we prefer
Please use MCC staff, not missionaries, to refer to people who serve with MCC.
Please use Mennonite Central Committee, not “the Mennonite Central Committee”
Our tagline:
Mennonite Central Committee: Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ
