Mennonites have lived in families and as sexual beings, throughout their history. Yet there has been minimal research on or conversation about the meaning, structure, and function of families in Mennonite history. Even less examined is the notion of sexuality as experienced and expressed by Mennonites in the past. Both are at the core of human identity. Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario is hosting a 2-day conference on “Family & Sexuality in Mennonite History: An Academic and Community Education Conference,” October 12-13, 2007.
This conference will offer a sampling of new research related to Family & Sexuality in the Mennonite past, on such themes as Marriage Models and Behaviours; Sexual Beliefs and Practices; Migrating Families; and Violence, Misconduct, and Conflict in Family Relations, for instance. The Friday night keynote address is by Dr. Royden Loewen, Chair in Mennonite Studies at University of Winnipeg, titled “Being Mennonite in the Family: A North American Perspective.”
The conference, planned and hosted by the Institute of Anabaptist Mennonite Studies at Conrad Grebel, is part of an ongoing series of projects and events, initiated by the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, that probe the Divergent Voices of Canadian Mennonites. Additional sponsors and supporters include Mennonite Central Committee Canada, Delbert F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, and Shalom Counselling Services.
For information, including a full conference program, visit the Family & Sexuality in Mennonite History webpage or phone 519-885-0220 x24257.