Voices of Sophia
gathers at the border
[3-19-01]
The speeches from the VOS Gathering
2001 will be on their website
shortly. [added on 5-2-01]
Press release from Voices of Sophia
March 2001, Tucson, Arizona - 3/18/01 - The annual Voices of Sophia
Gathering held from March 1-4 was a great success, drawing record
attendance especially from young people. Focusing on the theme,
"Wisdom on the Border," participants explored the challenge of
transforming our land from one of frontiers and borders that lead to
oppression to one in which justice prevails.
Young adults made up almost a quarter of participants,
including some current members and alumnae of the National Network of
Presbyterian College Women. In addition, a group of students from
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary were in attendance. They
will participate in the planning of the 2002 Gathering in Louisville,
Kentucky. Theological students from McCormick Theological Seminary and
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York were both
participants and leaders in the Tucson Gathering.
Borderlinks, a not-for-profit organization committed
to encouraging a shared analysis of the implications of the global
economy through travel seminars focusing on the issues of Mexican border
communities, guided participants of the Voices of Sophia Gathering on a
tour of our border with Mexico. Participants were stirred by the growing
militarization of the U.S.-Mexican border and the economic injustices
motivating so many to attempt border crossings made more dangerous by
U.S. immigration policies. The Gathering offered ways for the
participants to understand their experience through a faith perspective
which leads to action.
The Rev. Barbara Dua, former Associate Director of the
Women's Ministries Program Area, and the Rev. Rebecca Reyes illuminated
aspects of the recent backlash on women in the church. The presenters
particularly highlighted such effects on women of color, which rippled
through this large gathering of women and men.
Participants recognized the importance of spreading
the good news of Voices' message to the rest of the church, in effect
stating that it is time that Voices members become more evangelical.
"To evangelize is to spread the good news, and we have great news
about Jesus' call to free all people from systems of injustice,"
stated one participant. The organization's membership has increased by
25 percent during the past year.
The Gathering attracted the attention of the local
press and a story
featuring the Gathering appeared on the front page of the Arizona
Daily. Quipped one conference leader, "What a way to start the
day: seeing the word 'feminist' on the front page of the paper this
morning!"
Voices of Sophia is a community of women and men in
the larger community of the Presbyterian Church (USA) being reformed
by God through the Spirit of the living Christ, and working toward the
transformation of the church into a discipleship of equals. For more
information on Voices of Sophia visit www.voicesofsophia.org.
