Date
Friday & Saturday, October 12-13, 2007

Location:
Conrad Grebel University College, at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario

Overview:
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. This conference, without attempting to cover all possible topics, offers a sampling of new research on themes of Family & Sexuality in the Mennonite past.  The conference 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'. Please join us in fall at Conrad Grebel University College to be stimulated and challenged.
Marlene Epp,
for the Planning Committee.

Sponsors:
Institute of Anabaptist Mennonite Studies at Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC); Mennonite Historical Society of Canada / Divergent Voices of Canadian Mennonites Subcommittee; Mennonite Central Committee Canada; Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario; Shalom Counselling Services

Background
In 1999 the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada (MHSC) established a sub-committee, Divergent Voices of Canadian Mennonites (DVCM), to undertake a multi-year series of projects that would address research and education gaps in the history of Mennonites in Canada.

The first phase of DVCM explored the topics of the history of Mennonite women, Aboriginal-Mennonite relations, the Kanadier Mennonites, and Mennonites and refugee newcomers, primarily in the context of several day conferences planned and hosted by the Chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg. In 2006, a second phase of activity was initiated, and Conrad Grebel University College was invited to host a conference on the History of Mennonites, Family, and Sexuality for fall 2007. Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC) is a teaching and residential college affiliated with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and located on the campus of and affiliated with the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario (approximately 1 ½ hour drive from Toronto’s Pearson airport).

Planning Committee
The planning committee consists of Marlene Epp (CGUC), Sam Steiner (CGUC), Ed Janzen (CGUC), Royden Loewen (University of Winnipeg), Ken Reddig (Mennonite Historical Society of Canada), Lucille Marr (McGill University), Wander Wagler Martin (Shalom Counselling Services).

Conference Schedule (subject to minor changes)

Registration
The Conference is free of charge, but please let us know you are coming.

Lunch is available on Friday and Saturday at the Conrad Grebel dining room by pre-registration only at a cost of $8.

Friday: cold sandwich, salad, fruit, cookies, coffee/tea
Saturday: chili, muffin, salad, brownies, coffee/tea

To register for lunch (payable at the door), email Laura Stemp-Morlock.
There are also many restaurants within a short walk or drive of the College.

Travel and Lodging
If you need a place to stay, this is a list of many local accommodations.

For more information
contact
Marlene Epp
Conrad Grebel University College,
Waterloo, Ontario, CANADA, N2L 3G6
519-885-0220 x 24257