In 2013, the Mennonite church contacted Rachel Walter Goossen to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all the allegations made against John Howard Yoder in the 25 years preceding his death. Although the precise number of victims may never be known, two mental health professionals, who participated in the Mennonite church’s investigation into the allegations, estimate more than 100 women were sexually harassed or abused by Yoder. According to Goossen, others have estimated the number of victims was closer to 50.
In March 2015, the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (formerly the Goshen Biblical Seminary), invited women who were harassed and abused by Yoder, along with their friends and family, to attend a conference. During the conference, the leaders issued an apology to the victims and discussed measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In 2018, AMBS issued a statement in which it acknowledged “a patriarchal church and seminary culture, as well as reverence for Yoder’s intellectual power and prominence, led seminary leadership to minimize survivors’ claims. Although AMBS colleagues and administrators challenged Yoder after learning of his abusive behavior, this largely took the form of private intellectual debates, which extended over many years. Meanwhile, Yoder continued abusing women, including seminary students. After it became evident that AMBS
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disciplinary efforts were ineffective, Yoder was forced to resign quietly in 1984.”
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
