Sept. 28, 2009 issue
A liberating message
By Ferne Burkhardt Mennonite World ConferencePage:
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ASUNCION, Paraguay — Martha Basualdo of Paraguay called it a “festival glorifying God.”
Participants sing at the first transcontinental gathering of Latin American Women Theologians. — Photo by Linda Shelly/MWC
The first transcontinental gathering of Latin American Women Theologians brought together 130 women July 13-14 at Iglesia Cristiana de la Paz (Christian Church of Peace) and Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute.
The women came from 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries, six African countries, Canada and the United States. They are theologians in the sense of having studied the Bible, theology and religion or because they serve in a pastoral role.
The theme was “Jesus’ Liberating Message for Women and Men.”
Ofelia García of Mexico noted MWC’s support of the women.
“Getting to this point has meant challenging boundaries,” García said. “There is still a long way to go, but we are prepared. And we are not alone.”
In small groups, participants studied New Testament passages including women and talked about reading the Bible from women’s perspectives, not simply repeating what has sometimes felt like a “male model” and has contributed to discrimination. Ideas included designating a day to pray for Latin American women and proclaiming the years from 2010 to 2020 “The Decade of Women.”
The second day included Elizabeth Soto of Puerto Rico and the United States leading a Bible study on “Called of God to Serve with Power.” Rebecca Osiro of Kenya spoke on “The Great Commandment for Families.”
Nancy Heisey, former MWC president, brought greetings from the MWC General Council.
“This is a time of joy and relationship building,” Heisey said. “These meetings are good news for the global Mennonite world.”
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Comments
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I am interested in womens' issues because I have done my M.Th in women's studies. Please do send your news letters always.
Sincerely Susan
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