April 21, 2005
By Eduardo Chinchilla.

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – The struggle against violence towards women, steps to discover a healthy sexuality, and a declared offensive against the spread of HIV/AIDS are the principle challenges defined by 45 women who are leaders in their churches during a meeting organized by the Council of Latin American Churches (CLAI).

The group, representing more than 40 CLAI member-churches in Mexico and Central America, reflected on the situation of violence towards women, noting the on-going murders of women that occur in Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Violence within thechurch was also the object of analysis, particularly the need to establish new forms of understanding and distribution of power in church structures.

The meeting also served to promote the "Decade to Overcome Violence" convened by the World Council of Churches. Rev. Hansulrich Gerber, global director of the Decade, said her life had been touched by the way the women spoke of violence in the region, as well as the commitment to work as women who are active in the churches in favour of peace and equity.

Another great achievement was the establishment of a working group for the region, with a coordinator in each country (Mexico to Panama), seven in all, with a regional coordinator

Latin American and Caribbean Communication Agency (ALC)