Brazilian church youth leader and LWF Vice-President Isabella Reimann Gnas. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
LWF Vice-President Isabella Gnas shares inspiration from women who challenged tradition
As churches across The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) mark Reformation Day in October, the legacy of Protestant Reformer Katharina Schütz Zell and the Bible story of Ruth offer beautiful examples of fidelity, courage, determination and transformation.
Ruth was a Moabite who, after the death of her husband, chose to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem, leaving behind her homeland and everything she knew. We see her profound devotion: “But Ruth replied, ‘Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!’” (Ruth 1: 16-17)
Ruth faced many adversities, but her loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to work hard in foreign fields were rewarded. The story of Ruth not only demonstrates the importance of loyalty and hard work, but also how God can transform difficult situations into blessings.
Just like Ruth, Katharina Schütz Zell, showed courage and determination in times of great challenges through unique personal beliefs and actions. Despite social restrictions, Katharina, a pamphleteer during the Reformation, sought knowledge, questioned religious practices, and openly challenged the way things were through her writings. Born in Strasbourg in the 15th century, she is a testament to the spirit of the Lutheran Reformation.
By breaking barriers and challenging traditional gender roles, Katharina Zell paved the way for countless women to pursue their passions and contribute to their communities.
Ms Isabella Reimann Gnas, Brazilian church youth leader and LWF Vice-President
Katharina’s legacy goes beyond her personal life. As a mother, writer, and counselor, she played a fundamental role in the Reformation movement. Her life demonstrates that women have always been an integral part of shaping religious thought and practice. By breaking barriers and challenging traditional gender roles, she paved the way for countless women to pursue their passions and contribute to their communities.
Like Ruth, Katharina teaches us about the strength and lasting impact that faith, courage, and determination can have, regardless of the circumstances. As we celebrate the Lutheran Reformation, let us remember their testimonies, and continue to strive for a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender or social status. The young women of today can find inspiration in the examples of Ruth and Katharina Zell, knowing that their voices have the power to shape the future.
I encourage you to reflect on the following questions:
- How do the stories of Ruth and Katharina Zell demonstrate the importance of faith and determination in overcoming social and cultural barriers?
- In what way might you draw inspiration from the lives of Ruth and Katharina Zell to challenge traditional roles and make impactful contributions to their communities?
This post is part of the monthly LWF Youth theological series called “Global Faith Unfiltered.” It features reflections from young theologians on the most pressing issues and topics across their communities, from a perspective of the priorities highlighted at the 2023 LWF Assembly.
