LWF issues call for papers on transforming power relationships. Photo: Unsplash/Kamran Chaudhry
LWF seeks essays, poetry, Bible studies or visual arts contributions for new study series on power
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is seeking contributors who can reflect on the topic of power through essays, poetry, Bible studies or the visual arts. The call for papers will form part of an LWF study series that aims to create an inter-disciplinary dialogue and promote a vision for transforming power relationships within the church and beyond.
The study series will explore the use of power from multiple perspectives and through diverse methods of theological reflection. The call for contributions is directed at authors who can engage the question of power in a variety of ways. These may include the spheres of gender, public policy, interfaith relations, eco-theology, leadership, ecclesiology, patriarchy, partnerships, social healing, resilience, peace studies and other areas.
Rev. Dr Chad Rimmer, LWF’s Program Executive for Identity, Communion and Formation, noted that “a just sharing of power in relationship with others both creates and sustains life.” On the other hand, he said, abuse of power can lead to “corruption, economic disparity, human rights violations, exclusion from public space, gender-based violence and discrimination, or ecological disintegration due to land misuse or colonialism.”
The exercise of power has profound ethical, philosophical and theological significance.
Rimmer continued: “The theological dynamics of power are profound and multifaceted. Questions regarding the faithful role of the Christian in society, the relationship between Church and State, concepts of gender and race, legal questions of rights and responsibilities towards neighbor and creation are all derived from our understanding of power.” He added: The exercise of power has profound ethical, philosophical and theological significance.”
Those wishing to contribute papers or creative submissions are requested to send an abstract of between 800-1000 words, before the closing date of 30 September 2021, to the following address: [email protected] Submissions should include the subject heading “Study Series Call: On Power”.
Abstract proposals and further questions can be directed to Rev. Dr Chad Rimmer ([email protected]), to Rev. Dr Sivin Kit ([email protected]), or to Rev. Dr Marcia Blasi ([email protected]).
