When the Atlantic Mission Society and the Women’s Missionary Society decided to jointly organize a large scale National Presbyterian Women’s Gathering, there were some misgivings. Would people come? Would Presbyterian women embrace a keynote speaker with a reputation for controversy? Worry disappeared when registrations started pouring in, over 550 of them—mostly of older women but also a surprising number of younger ones. Ages ranged from 18 to 92. There were numerous mother – daughter teams and even a few instances of three generation representation.
The conference was barely underway when ethicist Margaret Somerville’s initial keynote address “Should Religion Have a Voice in the Public Square?” challenged us to think critically about the place of religious voices in society. Should people of faith continue to accept being silenced and consigned to the private realm in our secular society? Or should we refuse the “pink slip” and have confidence in the validity of our convictions? Dr. Somerville urged us to believe in the relevance and importance of religious perspectives. Her second address, “Brave New Babies,” was even more thought – provoking and counter – cultural.
Dr. Somerville warned of the dangers of absolute reproductive freedom. It is her conviction that the rights of the most vulnerable (the babies) should be paramount. Children should have the right to know their biological origins and, if possible, grow up in the presence of their parents. Judging from the loud applause, her message clearly resonated with the participants. For many of us, both her messages were liberating and transformational. She gave us permission to believe in the validity of traditional, religious perspectives and their vital importance and contribution to public discussion. The conference theme “Be Transformed”—based on Romans 12:2 (“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect”)—had come alive.
What was it, in the end, that made the Women’s Gathering such a spectacular success? Was it the superb organization, incredible attention to detail, the diversity of participants and international guests, the choice of stimulating speakers, the inspiring worship services, the excellent workshops, the very comfortable surroundings and great meals? Was it the opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones? (I, for one, was thrilled to reconnect with an international guest whom I knew 30 years ago in Nigeria.)
Probably all of the above. When you get 550 Presbyterian women together who love God and God’s church, it is bound to be a remarkable event. Though not an AMS/WMS event per se, the qualities these organizations are known for (kindness, openness to learning, humility, spiritual maturity, generosity, joy and love) were palpable and pervasive. In such an environment, how could Look In, Shout Out not have been a most memorable and transformational event?
