Thousands of Baptists are pouring into South
Africa, first for the women’s conference in Johannesburg and then for the
Baptist World Conference in Durban. I
will be attending the latter, which is a privileged opportunity for me. Meeting for the first time on the African
continent, the congress will illumine the breadth of Baptist life globally.
The ecclesial trade
routes are expansive, and when we gather we learn how the Baptist form of being
Christian has taken root in the varied contexts. Some are more liturgical, some are more
charismatic, some are more doctrinally cerebral, and some see themselves as
movements rather than institutions. The
varied hues of the Baptist fabric are beautiful to behold, as the pictures
coming out of the women’s conference give evidence.
The majority Christian world is now in the
southern hemisphere, and those of us from the north need learn from our
spirited counterparts. Especially during
a time of racial fracturing in the US, I look forward to participating in the
reality that “in Christ there is no East or West, in him no South or North, but
one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.” John Oxenham’s 19th century lyrics
will surely be on display as we weave new threads of connection. The theme of the congress is “Christ, the
Door,” and I trust we will sense the portals through which Christ is beckoning
the Baptist form of churches in our day.
Two Central
representatives are traveling with me: Dr. Carol Ann Holcomb, member of
Central’s board and Professor Emerita, Department of Human Nutrition, at Kansas
State University, and Francisco Litardo, Director of Social Media at Central. The journey will be richer through being
shared with these treasured colleagues and friends. We will get better pictures and eater better,
too!
On Thursday I will
be presenting a paper in the Gender and Justice section of the conference. It is entitled “A New Reformation:
Challenging Gender Discrimination,” and I will be paired with Regina Claas, who
has long served in South Africa. I
anticipate that she will invite a tribal woman to join in her
presentation. My presentation will
explore the biblical and theological grounding that has been used historically
to support patriarchal expressions of Christianity and the subjugation of
women. I will also highlight the most
egregious forms of gender discrimination in our day and summon Christians to a
liberative pathway. This is not a new
field of study for me, but offering perspectives in a different context calls
for humility and sensitivity.
My desire is that
Central will grow stronger in its global engagement and awareness through our
experience. You will be hearing more
about this journey, I promise!
Molly T. Marshall
Central
prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping church, and
serving humanity.
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