"Daring Hope": a celebration of the Ecumenical Decade (of Churches in Solidarity with Women).

More than 700 women, men and children from across Canada and many corners of the world converged on the campus of the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, August 26-30, for "Daring Hope -- A Celebration of the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity With Women." "Daring Hope" was an appropriate name for the conference. The Ecumenical Decade may have been drawing to a close, but the hopes and dreams of the participants were the hopes and dreams of the decades to come.

At 7 o'clock on opening night, a candle was lit and the celebration began. The walls of the meeting hall were covered with long swatches of fabric in primary colours and with various banners and quilts fashioned for the occasion. Each table had a basket containing a candle and crayons. Tablecloths were made of white newsprint upon which participants were invited to create images of their days together. Each participant was also given a small piece of cloth that would later be braided into one long rope of hope. Artist-in-residence Regina Coupar unveiled a blank canvas which, by the end of the conference, would be covered with words and symbols.

The conference was conducted in English and French (with translation for Japanese guests as well). There were also interpreters for the deaf, day-care facilities and chaplains available. The opening welcome recognized participants from Canada, the United States, Grenada, India, Japan, Korea, Kenya, Tanzania and Sudan.

Plenary sessions included the voices of women actively involved in social and economic issues. The Intercultural Grandmothers Uniting, a growing network of older First Nations, Metis and other Canadian women in rural Saskatchewan, spoke of strengthening bridges of understanding, trust, respect and friendship between races and generations. The Women's Collective of St. Columba House, Point St. Charles, Quebec, told of its work among low income families, with programs that bring dignity and hope to the community. The first story-telling plenary session ended with a dramatic presentation of "Created for Life," a vision for youth ministry begun by University Presbyterian Church, Toronto, in response to a fatal stabbing involving two teenagers. Delegates were challenged to make links with the presenters' stories and their own stories, and to move from reflecting on experience to social/political analysis.

Among the many strong voices at "Daring Hope" were those of black women. Akua Benjamin, professor in the school of social work at Ryerson Polytechnic University, addressed the problems of "racism, sexism, classism and ageism." Those who are part of the system need to act, she said. The voices of lesbian women were also strong. We are all in boxes with no way out, one speaker said. We need to find new ways of expressing who we are in the new church. The voices of native women brought prayers for the healing process in which we are all engaged.

An outstanding selection of workshops offered everything from quilting, creating personal icons, masque therapy, movement and massage, to struggling with the hard realities of women and Canada's justice system, and uprooted people. There was even a look at demystifying the Internet.

A public declaration of "Daring Hope" was issued by the conference, calling upon the government, faith communities and all concerned citizens of Canada to reclaim the vision of social justice that has been our legacy as a nation and our gift to civilization.

Sunday was Festival Day. The university's Johnston Green came alive with tents, balloons, clowns and workshops to enrich body, mind and soul. Visitors could have their faces painted, enjoy a massage, dance, play drums and talk with writers and artists. Shoppers could visit the market-place filled with books, posters, T-shirts and arts and crafts. In the afternoon, everyone came together to celebrate in worship. Following a service of dance, song, word and water, delegates to the World Council of Churches Decade Festival in Harare, Zimbabwe, were commissioned. Presbyterian delegates to Harare include Adele Halliday, Karen Hincke, Margaret Robertson and Ken Stright. (From a report by June Stevenson)