CCA-FMU hosted meetings of the Asian Women's Resource Centre for Culture and Theology on 18-21 February at the McGilvary College of Divinity, Payap University, in Chiang Mai, Thailand along with the Rev. Dr. Chuleepran Srisoontorn, academic dean of McGilvary College of Divinity and a member of CCA-FMU program area committee.

The meetings were aimed to assess the modules project on Asian feminist theologizing, of which Hope Antone has been a part. This project has produced two module booklets: (a) an introduction to Asian feminist theologizing and (b) an introduction to an Asian feminist re-reading of history. Two other modules are still in process: (c) on Asian women and religions; and (d) an Asian feminist view of leadership.

Another part of the meeting was to plan for the workshop on leadership since the writing of the module usually follows a workshop where resource persons and participants struggle with identified issues and texts.

A one-day seminar with Thai women was held on 19 February, starting with a feminist worship at the chapel -- including a dramatic rendition of the biblical text on "who will roll the stone away?" (Mark 16:1-4), a short reflection by Hope Antone and a dance in celebration and commitment by everyone.

After the worship, the main input was made by Dr. Hisako Kinukawa, a feminist theologian from Japan, who gave a comprehensive Bible study on leadership using the biblical stories of Miriam, Aaron and Moses.

The afternoon was spent with a smaller group of Thai women sharing stories and experiences of the women's struggles in Thailand.

posted by hope at Monday, March 10, 2008