Kim Thiessen responds to MCC leaders about “apology” monograph
MAST received a copy of this email from Kim Thiessen to MCC leaders (Executive Directors Ann Graber Hershberger and incoming ED Ken Kim; board chairs). She has given permission for it to be shared on the MAST website. We are posting the most relevant excerpts of the email, and have added links where Kim quotes from or refers to material that is available online.
“To not agree to an external investigation, to me, implies that there are things that MCC leadership and boards want to hide, decisions and actions they want to cover up. Restoration and reconciliation cannot happen without truth telling. And truth telling must be driven by the people who have been harmed. They are the ones to lay out the terms, with proper support. And in that truth telling process there must be public accountability.”
March 28, 2025
I believe that if MCC had responded immediately to the direct concerns from folks who signed the open letter, I think the vast majority of the navigating and spinning that MCC is doing could have been avoided. I am not speaking only about Anicka and John, but all of the folks who signed the letter. I have sent emails to Rick, pleading with him to get ahead of this, openly apologize, but that did not happen. And none of the former staff and volunteers that I am in contact with have been contacted by MCC leadership. Not one.
I do not understand why, as a peace and justice organization, MCC did not find it important to publicly acknowledge and own the harm that happened, that continues to happen, and that people's lives have been upended. Former staff and volunteers that I connect with regularly are in counselling for PTSD. Each time MCC releases a statement, or "apology", the words do so much more harm than good. I am not naive enough to think that there are situations in which a swift termination needs to take place, and an NDA needs to be signed. I have been part of such a termination. But that termination included follow-up calls, visits, and expressed concern and support for the terminated staff member. But for terminations made without cause that do not include follow-up, or information as to why that decision was made, to become modus operandi in MCC is wrong, cruel, and counter to all that we are called to be as people of faith. Donor money meant to support programs, operations, international partners, is being used for legal fees and NDAs. I can't imagine that donors, who are expecting their donations to be used to support people in need, would be pleased to know how much is going toward legal fees and payouts. Though, I am curious to know what that total might be.
People are asking for their personnel files. MCC silence. People are asking that MCC send them corrected tax information so that they can clear things up with the CRA [Canada Revenue Agency]. MCC silence. People are asking for MCC to be accountable, transparent, honest, and to agree to an external investigation. MCC silence. If MCC is being challenged so unfairly, then an external investigation would be welcomed, no?
I will continue to use my voice to raise concerns and awareness about MCC abuse. I will continue to pressure MCC leadership to agree to an external investigation. To not agree to an external investigation, to me, implies that there are things that MCC leadership and boards want to hide, decisions and actions they want to cover up. Restoration and reconciliation cannot happen without truth telling. And truth telling must be driven by the people who have been harmed. They are the ones to lay out the terms, with proper support. And in that truth telling process there must be public accountability. This truth telling does not include MCC speaking. MCC holds the power in the decisions and actions that were taken. The people hurt hold no power. Perhaps you think that a settlement out of court means that Anicka and John hold power over MCC. But they had to sue to force MCC to face the fact that their firing was illegal. And in the end, MCC settled out of court with a financial payout. If MCC did nothing illegal in their case, why would MCC settle out of court?
Kim Thiessen
Looking for a next step to take in response? Check out our list of ways to get involved (speak out publicly - sign the petition or write a letter - ask for an external investigation - support survivors - coordinate your efforts with others - educate yourself and your congregation about institutional abuse dynamics).