After 31 faithful years of providing audio-visual resources to congregations, the Mennonite & Brethren in Christ Resource Centre has decided to close, effective May 31, 2012. Due to declining usership and the rapidly changing nature of multi-media resources, the Centre is no longer viable. A survey conducted by the board in early 2012 demonstrated a declining need for resources, and that a physical resource centre located in Ontario is less important to users.
This decision has the full backing of its funding partners: Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, Brethren in Christ Canadian Conference and Ontario Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The board and its funding partners wish to reiterate that this decision is not a reflection of a declining commitment to Anabaptist faith formation. While there will be a loss with the closing of the MBIC Resource Centre, it is believed that new opportunities will emerge.
Further, the collection of the Centre will be transferred to Mennonite Church Canada's Resource Centre, ensuring its accessibility continues.
The board would like to thank the many staff people over the years who have served effectively in bringing Anabaptist resources to congregations. In particular, much appreciation is given to current staff person Christine Derstine for her on-going diligence to the Centre and her grace amidst a difficult situation.