As CCDA looks back over the past 30 years we have much to celebrate. We have grown and changed and continue to seek to become all God has planned for us. But as with any organization, we are led by people. And when people work together, strive together, do life together, we will fall short of God’s standards.
We would like to pause, at this important 30-year milestone, to take a look back at our history which also includes instances where we have fallen short of living out our stated Biblical value of reconciliation. Last year the CCDA Board commissioned a Reconciliation Task Force to examine this past. Below are areas we identified that require our repentance and further attention.
1. CCDA has been led by incredible founders and leaders. But like all humans, our leaders are also in their own process of becoming complete in Christ. There have been times when our leaders have failed in the stewardship of their power and this has led to painful experiences for some in our family. We grieve that this is also a part of our history and would like to extend an apology to those for whom pain has resulted.
2. Not unlike countless organizations, Christian or otherwise, CCDA has experienced organizational dysfunction, including occasional problems with its work environment. This has caused pain to past employees and resulted in the loss of opportunity to continue to serve with some of those employees, people who deeply love and believe in the ministry and community of CCDA. To those who have walked away from CCDA for this reason, we extend our deepest apologies. It is our hope to find a way to reconcile with all who desire to pursue reconciliation with us.
3. CCDA is committed to upholding the dignity of women and their contribution to all areas of ministry and leadership. As current leadership and board of CCDA we take ownership and commit to fully support women.
4. The CCDA board acknowledges that we have failed to effectively address these issues in the past, in keeping with our God-given leadership responsibilities. Our leadership shortcomings have caused further and unnecessary harm. We are truly repentant for this and are highly motivated and committed to ensuring that CCDA is a healthier organization moving forward for all employees and association members.
In summary, the Board of Directors, Founders, and Senior Leadership of CCDA acknowledge that we have fallen short in several areas as an organization, and as leaders. We repent of this reality, lament the pain it has caused many within our CCDA family, and commit to working towards creating a CCDA where accountability is a priority and the value and dignity of each person is honored and respected. We make this statement before you all, and before Christ, our Lord and Savior, the perfecter of our shared faith.
If you are interested in the current work we are doing on Reconciliation or have questions, please contact our CEO, Ava Steaffens, ava@ccda.org, our Board Chair, Mayra Macedo-Nolan at boardchiar@ccda.org, or our Reconciliation Task Force Co Chairs, Dina González-Piña at dinagonzalezpina@mcc.org and Joyce de Rosario atdelrosario.joyce@gmail.com
