Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Brazil and share in a study visit with five of our members to see the diaconal work connected to the IECLB (Lutheran Church in Brazil). What an experience! Diaconia work in the IECLB is very well developed and integrated into the life of the church at congregational, synodal and national level and is often seen as bringing life and opportunity to the church in local communities. We were able to visit local projects working and supporting those who have lost much due to natural disasters or who have lost their employment. We visited a centre for children who have been removed from their families and a centre where young people at risk of exclusion from school receive support in building confidence and social skills.
We also spent time with the Escola Superior Theologica (EST), which is one of the faculties developing current thinking on practical theology and Diaconia. We discussed with them how Diaconia works in Europe and how combining service provision with engagement in advocacy is achieved. At the same time, we discussed the role of the welfare state in Europe and how social service provision is supported and developed at EU and national levels.
Staying with the sisters of the Casa Matriz de Diaconisas reminded us of how Europe has influenced diaconal work around the world, but at the same time we were able to see the emergence of a truly Brazilian diaconia, rooted in the experience of Brazil, the legacy of liberation theology and the changing social realities across Latin America as economic growth starts to rise and inequalities continue to widen. This made me think about Europe and are we willing to describe or create a diaconia that is European? Or a diaconia that is emerging from today’s social realities in Europe? As Europe grows ever closer, does that challenge Diaconia in various countries to grow ever closer? Some things to think about…
As much as there were differences there were also many similarities, but our challenge now is to look at how to potentially develop further cooperation with our friends in Brazil. There is huge potential for learning and partnership, so watch this space!
Have a good weekend,
Heather Roy