Part of the Renewing an Inspired Community strategic plan at Conrad Grebel University College focuses on the renewal of key partnerships. One foundational partnership is with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC). The College’s very existence is the result of visionary leaders from various Mennonite communities who rallied around a vision for a Mennonite college at the new University of Waterloo in the early ’60s.

"We hope that this agreement will serve as a signpost for our relationship, and the principles and values that guide it," said Marcus Shantz, Grebel President. "The truth is that there are no big changes to our relationship here – it's just that we've never written these things down before," he added.

“MCEC has many partners, but the role Grebel plays as a resource to our pastors and leaders is very significant,” noted Ann L. Schultz, Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader of MCEC. “MCEC and Grebel have had a long and successful partnership and we're delighted that both the College and the Church have recommitted to that relationship.”

A small working group of administrators, faculty, and board members from MCEC and Grebel began meeting in November 2021 to discuss the relationship and draft the renewed framework agreement. They examined the many ties that bind the two organizations together, including a shared history, governance, and financial and legal considerations.

The agreement also sets out how Grebel and MCEC are distinct from each other, with commitments from each to respect those distinctives. For example, MCEC pledges its respect for academic freedom and reaffirms Grebel's affiliation with the University of Waterloo, a large public university. "We celebrate the many ways that Grebel has contributed to the wider community through its involvement in the University of Waterloo. It's a privilege for MCEC to be connected to this work," said Schultz.

The document also includes a section of “Mutual Gratitude” that lists the various ways both entities rely on each other.

The signatures on the framework agreement may not signify any major changes in the relationship between MCEC and Grebel, but they do illustrate a renewed commitment to the vital relationship between the Church and the College.