News Release
Mennonite Mission Network acknowledges with deep sadness the harm that has been caused by our former employee, Kent Peters.
In March 2021, Into Account made Mission Network aware of the allegations of misconduct by Peters. The agency responded immediately by placing him on administrative leave in accordance with its Harassment and Abuse Prevention and Response Policy.
Taking the allegations seriously, Mission Network contacted FaithTrust Institute to help the agency conduct an unbiased investigation. When a local criminal investigation was opened by the North Newton, Kansas police department soon after, Mission Network placed its investigation on hold to not interfere.
When the executive leadership of Mission Network notified staff of Peters’ leave and the open investigation, one staff member informed human resources that in 2018 a young woman had shared some concerning text messages with him that she had received from Peters. In response, Mission Network asked FaithTrust Institute to investigate this situation of unreported information as a possible violation of agency policy.
At the same time the investigation began in March, Mission Network initiated contact with the young woman who had disclosed the concerns in 2018 to let her know of the investigation and offer support for any harm caused by the employees.
When Mission Network received additional evidence of misconduct, Peters’ employment with Mission Network was terminated.
FaithTrust Institute investigated the failure to report and reviewed Mission Network’s policies and response practices around harassment and abuse. FaithTrust Institute concluded that the actions of the employee were in violation of Mission Network’s policy. Also, FaithTrust Institute made several recommendations for disciplinary response as well as ways the agency could improve its policies, trainings, and organizational culture. Disciplinary action was made for violation of policy. Mission Network is grateful for the recommendations and has begun the process of implementing the recommended measures, moving as quickly as it is able. The person who violated policy has since left employment with Mission Network.
It is with deep sorrow that Mission Network recognizes the harm caused by its former employee’s misconduct, the failure to immediately report sexual harassment or abuse, and the agency’s delayed response. Mission Network is grateful for the courage of survivors to share their experiences, and for the advocacy and collaboration of organizations like Mennonite Abuse Prevention (MAP) and Into Account. Through this process Mission Network identified its deficits. The agency is committed to improve and will do so through its strengthened policies, procedures and training.
