wfn.org | LWF "Women" magazine focusses on challenges

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

     after the Ecumenical Decade
Is the church enabling the disabled to become resource-givers

GENEVA, 27 March 1999 (lwi) Women are at the cross roads, and many
significant events have led them to this point, putting them and
their concerns at the center of focus, according to Priscilla Singh,
the editor of the February 1999 issue of the Lutheran World
Federation Women magazine.

In her editorial, Priscilla Singh who is also the secretary for Women
in Church and Society (WICAS) in the LWF Department for Mission and
Development (DMD) introduces issues that have been significant for
women during the "Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with
Women" (1988-1998).

Highlighting WICAS' involvement in the Decade, she notes that while
many women and men still discuss whether the focus for the past 10
years was a boon or bane to church women, with some being skeptical
about its impact, some fearing a backlash while others seeing it as a
sign of hope, "the Decade has impacted the churches."

"Ordination of women has increased, as well as an increased
networking of ecumenical women that has added to our strength and
brought about an increased and emphatic awareness that all is not
well with the churches," writes the editor.

She also proposes ways in which one can make a commitment to enhance
the women's movement. Suggestions include bringing to light other
positive contributions of women in the history of the church and
society which not only sets the records straight but also attests to
the fact that women have been at the helm of justice issues bringing
meaning and liberation to humanity.

Other subjects discussed in the 64-page magazine include violence
against women, the plight of unwed mothers and women living with
disabilities. On the latter subject, the editor points out that the
church has indeed been involved with the disabled, enabling them to
live despite their disability. She adds however,  that "the challenge
before us is whether the church is enabling the disabled to become
resource-givers enriching the church" instead of being seen  only as
resource-takers.

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Lutheran World Information
Assistant Editor, English: Pauline Mumia
E-mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org
http://www.lutheranworld.org/