Southwestern professors speak at World Congress of Families meeting

Southwestern Seminary professors Candi Finch and Evan Lenow were among the 50-plus speakers at the tenth World Congress of Families (WCF X) meeting in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, May 15-18. The WCF is the premier gathering of the world’s largest network of pro-family leaders, parents, youth, lawmakers, scholars, religious leaders and advocates who unite to defend family and faith and to develop a pro-family agenda for Europe and the world.

“The World Congress of Families meeting is important because it brings together pro-family and pro-marriage leaders from all over the world,” says Evan Lenow, assistant professor of ethics at Southwestern. “[At the meeting], we are able to remove our American-centered perspective and recognize how we can work together to support the proponents of traditional marriage around the world.”

“Many of the struggles we face in the United States are not unique to us,” he continues. “In addition, many countries suffer when policies change here. As a result, this meeting encourages us to redouble our efforts to promote a biblical understanding of marriage and family.”

WCF X was the first Congress to take place in the Eurasian and Caucasus region and the first in an Orthodox Christian country. Previous Congresses were held in such locations as Prague, Geneva and Salt Lake City.

“The location of the meeting was significant because in Tbilisi, Georgia, advocates for the family are having success in fighting the forces that threaten the family,” says Candi Finch, assistant professor of theology in women’s studies at Southwestern. “It was inspiring to see how believers in Georgia are able to combat legislation that would advocate for homosexuality or even transgender curriculum in the schools.”

The theme for this year’s Congress was “Civilization at The Crossroads: The Natural Family as the Bulwark of Freedom and Human Values.” In a written welcome to the Congress during its opening ceremony, former President of the United States George W. Bush said, “Around the world, families provide that beacon of freedom and the source of help, hope and stability for individuals and nations. As one of the pillars of civilization and the bulwark of liberty, families must remain strong and we must defend them. … I commend your efforts to recognize the importance of families in building nations. Your work improves many lives and makes the world better.”

Numerous leaders and scholars spoke at the four-day meeting, including Allan C. Carlson, president emeritus of The Howard Center for Family, Religion, and Society in Rockford, Ill.; Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University; and Brian Brown, president and co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). Lenow and Finch represented Southern Baptists at the meeting. (Southwestern President Paige Patterson also contributed a video greeting to the Congress.)

Lenow presented on the topic of deconstructing arguments for abortion. Finch, meanwhile, presented a paper addressing the sexual revolution and cultural Marxism as well as specific ways these movements are impacting young women today.

“Anytime you gather people from more than 50 countries all united on maintaining God’s plan for the family, you can’t help but leave feeling renewed and encouraged,” Finch says of the experience. “Especially since we have lost key battles in America recently, I left the conference knowing that even a small number of people can effect change.”