From the editor

At the women’s conference in February, the importance of talking in person about complex and personal issues struck me in a new way.

Close to 200 women gathered at the All You Need is Love: Honoring the Diversity of Women’s Voices in Theology conference in Leesburg, Va., Feb. 20-22. Several powerful themes emerged: women’s bodies, self-love, and racial and sexual identity.

These themes were apparent in the worship theme song, “I found God in myself … and I love her fiercely,” based on a quote by Ntozake Shange. Workshops on sexual abuse and ethics, motherhood, miscarriage, beauty and yoga provided space for women to embrace their humanity. In a concrete way, Annabeth Roeschley led the participants through guided meditation with movement during worship.

The most poignant worship time for me came on the last day and included three stories from women regarding self-love, sexual violation and LGBT identity. After the time of sharing, women joined hands, singing—and some crying—as they weaved around the room. Then the women joined circle groups, where they reflected on the service.

Afterward, I considered the raw nature of this time. I knew that not all 194 women in that room shared the same views on these topics.

For example, while inclusive language and referring to God as “She” was the unofficial norm throughout the conference, not all participants or speakers chose those expressions. Not all women felt at ease during the talk by the speaker who freely shared her story of what it means to love others and herself as a lesbian. (Click here for her story).

Yet during that final worship service, the women connected sharing space, touch and music. Despite disagreeing theologically, women talked and embraced.

When the focus remains on our bodies, we are reminded of the importance of sharing stories face to face, as in Leesburg. When the issue of the LGBT community and the church is discussed only through letters, email and via social media, we often fail to remember the deep humanity of the issue.

From 1999 to 2012, The Mennonite had a moratorium on articles and letters that address Mennonite Church USA’s teaching position on sexuality. Our plan now states that articles and letters published “need to have a positive and edifying tone—even if offering critique—and say something new on the topic.”

The moratorium went too far, and I am pleased it is now lifted—particularly in light of church events this year—but I do understand and value some of its original intentions.

As Gordon Houser, associate editor, said, there is a danger in allowing letters to the editor and opinion articles to take the place of sitting down and talking with one another.

Readers tend to focus on how to respond in writing instead of truly hearing one another, he said. This will sound familiar to anyone who has participated in a talking circle or conflict resolution exercise.

While I find wonder in the written word, I hope we will continue to prioritize time to gather together to safely share space and stories with one another.