Focusing on leadership, the 21st annual conference of the Association of Adventist Women (AAW) featured seminars, plenary sessions and awards that recognized both women and men. Attracting people from as far as England and Singapore, the group convened on the Loma Linda University campus Oct. 16-19.
"One of AAW's goals is to demonstrate open and collaborative models by working in complementary ways with other church organizations," said Patricia Foster, AAW president, 2001-2003.
Keynote speaker Kendra Haloviak explored Mary Magdalene's role among Jesus' disciples and in evangelism. An assistant professor of religion at La Sierra University, Haloviak probed the topic of women in leadership by examining Scripture and historical research.
Lisa Beardsley, vice president for academic affairs at Loma Linda University, brilliantly moderated a panel of women who are successful in a "man's world" of business, law, medicine, education and church administration.
Champions of Justice
Two men received the association's Champion of Justice award for their leadership in urging the Church to practice fairness and equality.
Larry Geraty, president of La Sierra University (LSU), was cited for his courageous actions on behalf of women in educational leadership and pastoral ministry. "He has been an effective member of the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Gender Inclusiveness Commission (GIC). He also helped establish the LSU Women's Resource Center in 1996, a first in our church," said Penny Miller, GIC chair and an AAW board member.
Warren Banfield set up the first on-going women's commission. The commission's work, guided by his vision and that of his successor, Rosa Taylor Banks, led to establishing the NAD Women's Ministries Department in 1990. "He also came to the second AAW conference when no one else at the General Conference would listen to women," said Kit Watts, co-director of the 1984 event and an AAW board member.
Women of the Year
Continuing a 19-year tradition, AAW presented Woman of the Year awards during a Saturday night banquet. To date, the association has highlighted the leadership skills of 130 Adventist women.
The nine honorees for 2003 were: Josephine Benton, retired pastor and chaplain; Pat Gustin, director, General Conference Institute of World Mission; Norwida Marshall, former associate director of education, Southern Union; Alberta Mazat, first chair of the marriage and family department, Loma Linda University; Beatrice Neall, former missionary to Southeast Asia and religion teacher at Union College; Rose Otis, first director, GC Women's Ministries Department; Kathlyn Severance, community volunteer organizer, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Irma Vyhmeister, pioneer dietetics teacher and researcher; and Mae Watson, childcare professional, Tennessee.
Women and the Word
SECC sponsored more than 30 pastors and administrators to participate in "Women and the Word," an all-day pre-session to AAW. In a key presentation, Stella Greig, professor of English at Andrews University, challenged both male and female leaders to use inclusive language in classes, sermons, hymns and prayers. "When we are inclusive, we emulate God's character," she said.
For recordings from AAW and "Women and the Word" call 909-785-2470 or write WRC, La Sierra University, 4700 Pierce Street, Riverside, CA 92515.
