Bogota, Colombia – Lynn Roth of Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been appointed as the North American Representative for Mennonite World Conference beginning part time in January 2013.

The appointment was announced by César García, MWC General Secretary. “Lynn’s international experience plus his years of service in Mennonite institutions and churches in North America make him an excellent representative,” said García.

“His knowledge of and love for our churches, as well as his academic and management background will enrich our global community and facilitate our vision of building a global and and interdependent community that bears witness to Christ.”

Roth is currently Executive Director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University, a position he has held since 2007. He will continue in that position until June 2013 as he begins his assignment with MWC.

Prior to his work at EMU, Roth served with Mennonite Central Committee in a variety of positions: 18 years as Executive Director of MCC East Coast, four years as co-country representative for Mennonite Ministries in Botswana, and other assignments.

Roth is originally from California. His undergraduate degree from Fresno Pacific University was in Political Science. He has a Masters in Social Work from Fresno State University.

Roth and his wife, Kathleen, are members at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, VA. They have four adult children.

"I have always felt a strong call to the ministry of the worldwide church,” commented Roth. “It is exciting to have the opportunity to work with the North American church as it engages with the worldwide community of believers."

With his appointment, Roth succeeds Bert Lobe, who has served as MWC North American representative since 2008.

MWC release