Called to be holy

Female theologians from 18 countries and five continents  met in Helsinki in June. The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission, the YWCA and the Woman Theologians Finland organized the conference  and invited international participants through their networks. The conference was ecumenical and international,  held in Sofia Cultural Centre on June 8-10th, 2010.

Among the 90 participants two thirds came from Finland and one third from Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America and other European countries. The participants represented different generations and levels of experience and positions in church and society.

The aim of the gathering was to share experiences and spirituality,  to get encouragement in being creative theologians, to strengthen one´s  Christian identity and  to increase networking among women working in different positions in churches.

Each day the participants focused on one topic: “Woman participating in God´s creation”,  “Women accompanying Christ”,  “Women celebrating in the Holy  Spirit”. Speakers from different corners of the world shared what the theme means to them in their communities and churches. Daily Bible meditation gave guidance and inspiration into each day`s topic.

During the three days the participants got to know each other, they shared the burning issues and challenges they face in their work  and the theological viewpoints which  are relevant in their contexts.

The conference was an inspiring and encouraging gathering. The days were filled with mutual sharing, reasoning, discussions, singing, dancing, celebration. A big network was created where communication continues, theological questions of women find space and  fellowship deepens.

Read the inspiring presentations