The Movement of Anabaptist Women Doing Theology from Latin America, or MTAL, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a workshop in El Salvador on April 14-16.
Thirty women leaders from Central America, Mexico and Puerto Rico attended the event, themed “Women in Movement: Purpose and Meaning in the Cycles of Sarah’s Life.” This followed online celebrations and local events throughout Latin America.
Recognized by the Faith and Life Commission of Mennonite World Conference, MTAL was initiated by Latin American women after listening to African women theologians at the 2003 MWC assembly in Zimbabwe.
Thousands of women from nearly every country in the Americas have participated in MTAL initiatives.
Workshop participants studied the life of Sarah from the Bible, drawing parallels between her challenges and their own. Many Mennonite women in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean have faced migration, dispossession, abandonment, pain and loss due to environmental disasters, political unrest and violence.
In addition to seeking their own healing, the women feel called to support others who live under stigma and discrimination. They strive to discern the risks involved in supporting women in danger, including grappling with guilt when they feel they haven’t done enough.
MTAL worked with Mennonite Mission Network to publish a booklet to commemorate the anniversary. Spanish and English versions of “Women: 20 Years of Paving the Way Between Dreams and Hopes” are free to download at mennonitemission.net/resources.
Have a comment on this story? Write to the editors. Include your full name, city and state. Selected comments will be edited for publication in print or online.