FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mimi Haddad, President
Christians for Biblical Equality
Phone 612-872-6898 Fax 612-872-6891
cbe@cbeinternational.org
www.cbeinternational.org

MINNEAPOLIS – May 2005

Conference to Address Gender Equality, Scripture, and Christian Service

As the world searches for solutions to injustice based on gender, ethnicity, and class, Christians for Biblical Equality will host its 9th biennial international conference to address these issues from a biblical perspective. On July 29–31, 2005, global leaders and scholars will convene at Eastern University (St. Davids, PA) to advance the biblical foundations for gift-based, rather than gender-based, ministry in the church, home, and world. Individuals who have suffered as a result of their public affirmation of biblical equality will be honored at the conference by receiving CBE’s prestigious Priscilla and Aquila Awards.

The conference theme, “One Body, Many Gifts,” is taken from Romans 12:4–6: “[W]e who are many are one body in Christ.…and since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly” (NASB). Speakers and delegates from countries such as Kenya, India, Hungary, China, England, and the Republic of the Congo will explore the diversity of people and gifts within the Christian faith. Speakers include: Finny Philip, who will address the challenges and choices of Indian women; Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen, who will outline C.S. Lewis’ journey to gender equality; and Lisa Thompson, who will discuss the implications of the global sex industry.

The spectrum of countries, denominations, ages, and economic classes represented reflects the growing recognition that understanding diverse contexts is necessary when working for change. Mimi Haddad, President of CBE, recognizes how “One Body, Many Gifts” indicates the broadening vision and membership of the organization: “This is no longer a white, North American event. Our conference, and the movement at large, is becoming more and more international.”

Within this diversity, the approach to effecting change remains distinctly Christian. Presentations on topics such as inclusive language, mutual submission in marriage, and race and gender in the Bible and genetics not only will educate participants, but also will challenge and equip them for responding to injustices based on gender, ethnicity, and class. While every response will be unique according to each person’s gifting, CBE believes the source is the same: the biblical message of equality.

Christians for Biblical Equality is a non-profit organization of Christian men and women from nearly 100 denominations who believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all ethnicities, all economic classes, and all ages. CBE has been equipping churches, scholars, and laypersons since 1987. For a press kit or for more information about the organization and its conference, visit its Web site at http://www.cbeinternational.org or call 612-872-6898.