Conflict in communities, the European refugee crisis and the notion of being uprooted urge “convivial approaches” to church and society. Representatives of 16 European countries will explore theological reflections on hospitality, grounding the art and practice of living together in Europe and with neighbors seeking refuge in Europe.

Meeting participants will learn about Estonian social realities and diaconal responses using the “street retreat”: a method that starts with context and relates to biblical and theological topics. Drawing from its own vocation and diaconal experience, participants will explore the concept of “conviviality” and its implications for institutions, including the church and for empathy-based politics.

From this five-year conviviality process, ideas for action locally, nationally and internationally will be drawn. The outcomes will be part of the European churches’ contributions to the LWF Assembly and the Reformation Anniversary in 2017.

Link to 2017 Reformation commemoration

Since the beginning of Lutheranism, key aspects of Luther’s theology on serving the neighbor and on economic ethics have been prominent. The outcomes of the process will be a contribution by European churches to the Assembly and the Reformation anniversary.

The European Diaconal Process links to the overall LWF Communion identity to be committed “with Passion for the Church and for the World”. Conviviality focusses on holistic mission, integrating witness, service and advocacy. Communion-building is supported in and across Europe, among diaconal actors and educators, and among member churches.

The process aims to develop common theological understanding of key social and diaconal issues in Europe, contributing to transforming and empowering diaconal performance.