That disclaimer out of the way, the evening intends to provide an opportunity to really get some discussion going in NZ Evangelical circles about the roles of Women and Men in church. Chris Grantham should be a lively and entertaining chair and the panel is chosen to represent a range of views. The dialogue (it is not a debate, the goal is to talk sensibly and listen respectfully) is associated with a two day colloquium of "God and Gender" that a number of us are participating in along with US visitor Craig Blomberg.
Here is a flyer, and a link to a PDF if you can send it to possibly interested parties (in or near Auckland on 12th).
¶ 9:10 AM 
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Personally, the title put me right off - even though I know the speakers and dialogue will be great.
Made me feel like there was an implicit "Ladies, please bring a plate" (of food, Antipodean slang) attached.
Hope it doesn't keep people away whose voices should be heard, nor annoy others so much that they are polarised/upset before coming.
One step forward, and yet a (patronising?) step backwards. *sigh*
By 
Stephen G, at
July 3, 2007 10:46 AM
It'd be nice to have a grown up respecful title for such a pain ridden topic. For 25 years my heart's burned to serve Him - I stayed single for the purpose - but have been slapped (physically) for volunteering in men's prisons, discredited from pulpits over unladylike shoes, told not to teach (including evangelism) accused of rebellion for doing things the men were praised for, and to me the real issue is about people who can't see past the body to the spirit. Just what are their eyes looking at?! Yuck! One thing I know - Peter & Paul had to "rebel" against the Pharisees to fulfill their burning mission and Jesus was with them. It's not so different for women - and Jesus leads all who love Him and want to serve Him. "The labourers are few" cry the same fools who ban half the workforce. God grieves.
By 
, at
July 12, 2007 8:49 PM
Feedback:
The event took place, after a full on day at the colloquium discussing related issues (title: God and Gender) it was encouraging to see about 100+ people (both men and women) gather on a wintry night to listen and talk even though the "organisation" responsible for the evening was totally unknown (the Centre for the Theology of Gender before 12 July only existed in the dreams of a handfull of people). It was also encouraging to see many people signing up so as to be told of other events the Centre arranges.
Marion, thanks for your heartfelt comments. (I'll reiterate that I did not help choose the name for the evening event.) If you live in Auckland and got to the evening I'd like to hear your impressions.
By Tim, at
July 13, 2007 6:00 AM
