In 1988 more than 150 women gathered at Rangi Ruru in Christchurch from 31 August to 4 September.
It was the Third National Ecumenical Feminist Women’s Conference and was entitled Women’s Ministries and Spirituality Conference – Empowering to Transform
There were several such feminist conferences – the first was 1981 (Wellington?) , second 1984 (Camp Morley, South Auckland), the third was 1988 (Rangi Ruru) and fourth was 1994 at Tauhara 4th National Feminist Theology Conference
The 1988 Conference was over subscribed, and led to several regional conferences in the following year.
One of the most striking elements of the 1988 conference was the presence and contribution from the women’s spirituality movements inside and outside the church, and the conversation between these.
The focus on the 1988 Conference was on empowering women to transform their lives, their churches, and society.
This 2018 Conference invites those interested in the contribution of feminist theology and spirituality to gather to reflect on the past 30 years.