Feb, 2004

Over 100 clergy and lay persons attended a three day theological conference held at Casa del Migrante in Tijuana, Mexico, January 26-29. The focus was on what it means to yearn for justice in today's world of globalization.

Serious attention was given to "empire economics" and its impact on the poor. An economist from Boston told the group to avoid exaggerating the statistics of how bad things are, but also expect economists to see the economy from the perspective of the empire in power. There was a clear call to bring economic trends under the light of the Gospel and use social analysis as a tool to make the church's message relevant.

Another theme of the conference was the need to read the Bible from the margins. It became clear that most of us have read the Bible from the perspective of the dominant culture. This has blinded us to many important truths and shielded us from understanding the Biblical call for justice. Many were surprised at how new insights into things like the Lord's Prayer and the sayings of Jesus can be found if our economic blinders are removed.

Two church historians from Columbia Seminary compared the empire in the book of Revelation to current trends in both government and the church. They pointed out how the sacraments in the early life of the church were celebrated, not for one's own salvation, but as a way to energize a community of resistance and hope. Workshops helped to focus on ways to bring the new insights into parish life and preaching.

The conference was intentionally held in a third world setting so that it would be an experiential learning experience. A meal was served in the poverty section of Tijuana by women who have learned how to survive, and a memorial prayer service was held at the border near two tall fences erected by the USA to keep immigrants out. Over 2000 have died trying to cross into USA to find jobs and an opportunity to help loved ones back home. Each evening the 100 participants ate with 60 migrants living one floor below them in the casa. The last evening a mariachi band helped everyone celebrate and dance.

It was an ecumenical event with people coming from 10 denominations and 13 states. A full spectrum of views was part of the discussion with representation from Catholic, Nazarene, Vineyard, UCC, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, Intervarsity, Episcopal Mennonite, Lutheran and Methodist churches. Some thought it was the best theological conference they had ever attended. Many are setting aside the last week in January 2005 in case something similar is offered.