Members of numerous congregations from Mennonite Church Manitoba (MCM) gathered in Morden Monday to discuss making space for same-sex marriage.

Making space, Peter Rempel Moderator for Mennonite Church Manitoba explains, means (on its most basic level) the conference would not discipline or dispel a congregation that affirms same-sex marriage.

"But I wanted to encourage people to think about... something positive to do with that space," Rempel says. "Like share our experiences with one another, and commit to uphold certain principles about that space."

The discussion was generally cordial and respectful, but offered a range of opinions.

"I recognize people speak out of deep conviction and conscience about what they believe is God's will on this," he says.

He notes making space does not mean the traditional view of marriage is under threat, nor is the wording of the confession of faith.

The question, he says, is "how shall we understand the confession of faith?"

"Do we create space by saying it's not a code which has to be adhered to in every last point? Or is it something that expresses our unity of faith on a number of things that we share with other Christians, but also includes statements on how we practice that faith?"

While the board had planned on bringing a recommendation at the annual MCM meeting in March, some suggested no recommendation is needed.

"I can't think of any next step that will be universally accepted," Rempel says. "Which will be painful."

Rempel says he hopes they can create freedom for congregations who have a different perspective on the issue, and that congregations can still work together within the conference.

A number of people from across Manitoba were in attendance Monday