The EUD Women’s Ministries (WM) Advisory was scheduled from September 24-27, 2023, on the campus of the Adventist Faculty of Theology in Collonges sour Saleve, France. The WM leaders from the Unions in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Czechia/Slovakia, and Bulgaria as well as the Swiss Romande and Swiss German Conferences participated. The General Conference was represented by Nilde Itin, GC WM associate director.
The meeting was characterized by cordial and cheerful fellowship, although a large part of the meeting consisted of reports from the unions and the challenges that the departments are facing. WM activities differ in several countries, but once again, we noted with gratitude how lively, creative, and active the women are everywhere.
Topics Addressed
Enditnow is an action that is necessary everywhere to counteract the prevailing violence against women. Small group initiatives, nurture, empower and outreach were addressed the the various reports with different emphases. Also important and interesting were the reports of social engagement that can often be door openers for spiritual themes. One of the challenges addressed was how to reach young women in our times and mentoring. The question of how we can be relevant today was important for retaining our young women in the church and engaging the generations as well as reaching other women. The need for ways to improve women’s health and maintain mental health was also discussed.
All the projects and activities have in common that they take into account the different needs of women in their various life phases, and create appropriate offers, always keeping in mind the method of Jesus. Women want to be available to their neighbors so that they can reflect the divine image and make life with Jesus attractive to them. WM is also interested in collaborating with other departments (ADRA, Health Ministries, etc.) and increasing the potential for synergy.
The discussions clearly showed that most of the women in our churches are active in volunteering in many projects and that the activities of the church are mostly carried out by women. Unfortunately, this input does not seem to increase their influence in leadership and their voice is often not heard.
Almost all WM leaders work on a volunteer basis with little or no pay. It would certainly be appropriate to seek new ways of supporting their work.
The meetings were bookended with devotional periods presented by the leaders, often in very creative and active ways.
Other Highlights
On this occasion, we also said goodbye to Corina Timofte, WM director in the Franco-Belgian Union, who will be leaving her position at the end of October. We thank her sincerely for her service over the past five years.
A special highlight was the excursion to Geneva. Organized by the WM leader of the local church in Geneva, the women were offered a tour of sites associated with notable women from Reformation times, and Advent history in Europe and the USA. The visit ended with a snack in the local church during moments of relaxation and reflection on all the impressions and sights.
According to a report by EUD WM Director Dagmar Dorn