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Central American women theologians' first meeting billed a 'success'

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Women from across Central America met here July 16-18 for a first gathering of women theologians and Bible students.

The goal of the gathering was to talk about women's roles in church and other areas. Future plans are to create an inventory of women's gifts.

Other objectives included: identifying the social/cultural/religious context of women in Central America; reflecting on biblical misinterpretations of women's roles in the life of the church; and agreeing on specific actions.

After introductions and singing, participants were ready to hear about the role of women in the church in the Southern Hemisphere and developments in different parts of the world.

Biblical reflections by Pastor Ofelia García of Mexico led women to profound thinking and delving into scriptures.

“Inviting Ofelia to be a presenter was one of the best choices we made,” said Sandra Campos of Costa Rica, one of the promoters and organizers of this event.

In group discussions, observed Ofelia, participants shared how they perceived themselves and their roles in church, family and society and they listened to each other with sensitivity. Some women said that their contributions were not accepted as equal to those of their brothers, and that at church and at home, women's activities were seen as “women's matters.”

Participants identified their need to expand their awareness of the social and family structures from which gender roles are promoted, and to work on gender roles within the family. They identified themselves as agents of change, said Ofelia.

“In this search for becoming true co-inheritors of grace, we are not alone. God is calling women to be partners, to expand the kingdom of God with our gifts, from our femaleness. We have to believe and own the truth that Jesus has called us,” Ofelia assured the women. They closed with a moving prayer time.

Seventy-three women from several Central American countries stayed enthusiastic and alert during the whole event and through the subsequent CAMCA (Consulta Anabautista Menonita de Centro América, the Central American Anabaptist and Mennonite Consultation). They went home ready to ignite and pass on this dream all over the region.

Concepción Villeda, Guatemala, and Albania Romero, Honduras, were named co-chairs of a committee to continue the work begun at this gathering. Graciela Amador, Nicaragua, was named secretary and Sandra Campos will continue to serve as overseer.

“Without any doubt, this first meeting of Central American women theologians has been a great success,” said Sandra. “We attained most of our objectives and even more than we expected. God has been faithful. He accompanied us through the whole process and we trust that what is ahead is even better.

This gathering is part of a world-wide effort led by Mennonite World Conference to encourage and nurture women in theological training and pastoral ministries. Similar gatherings have been held in different regions of Africa since 1999. Funding for the Costa Rica meeting came from a variety of sources including Mennonite Church Canada Witness, Rosedale Mennonite Missions, Canadian Women in Mission, and Mennonite Central Committee.

At the July 18-20 CAMCA meeting that followed the women's gathering, Manuel Izaguirre proposed to CAMCA delegates that women be included as delegates with both voices and votes.

“[Women] understand God's kairos, the moment when the Spirit breathes new life into each of them. The fact that they have attended this gathering is a sign that there is a profound yearning in them to revitalize church life with a new vision involving their participation as agents of transformation in God's kingdom,” said Izaguirre.

The assembly approved the proposal and elected Alina Itucama of Panama as a member of the Board of Directors.

Juan Jose Chinchilla, president of the Mennonite Conference in Honduras, concluded the CAMCA assembly with these prayerful words: “God summoned us, the Anabaptist Mennonite family in Central America, to these meetings. He provided what we needed financially and his Holy Spirit ministered to us, men and women, in this place."

— Milka Rindzinski, from reports by Sandra Campos and Ofelia García