The Sabah Theological Seminary in Kota Kinabalu hosted the in-person phase of the Hélène Ralivao Fund – Theology, Gender Justice and Leadership Education (TGLE) Program. Photo: LWF
A week of learning and commitment to justice, dignity, and leadership.
“What kind of world are we shaping through our theology?” This was one of the guiding questions for 22 participants from 15 churches across Asia who gathered in Malaysia for a week of learning, reflection, and community.
From 7–12 July 2025, the Sabah Theological Seminary in Kota Kinabalu hosted the in-person phase of the Hélène Ralivao Fund – Theology, Gender Justice and Leadership Education (TGLE) Program. The initiative, supported by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), builds on the legacy of Hélène Ralivao, a pioneering theologian and advocate for gender justice in the Malagasy Lutheran Church.
After nine months of online learning, which helped participants build trust, develop shared language, and engage deeply with the program’s themes, the participants came together to explore the intersections of theology, gender justice, and leadership in the context of their own churches and communities. Through Bible studies, workshops, and group discussions, they discussed theological topics, including baptism, the priesthood of all believers, and ordained ministry, through a lens of justice and inclusion.
The gathering emphasized responsible theology, an approach that recognizes how theological reflection shapes not only individual beliefs but also communities, systems, and societies. Photo: LWF
The learning materials were developed by a planning group consisting of representatives from LWF member churches and theological institutions in Asia, as well as from ELCA and FELM, who also helped facilitate the sessions. Photo: LWF
Alongside theological reflection, the workshop built on transformative learning as a method for personal and communal renewal. Photo: LWF
The gathering emphasized responsible theology, an approach that recognizes how theological reflection shapes not only individual beliefs but also communities, systems, and societies.
“Responsible theology asks what kind of world we are creating through our theology,” said Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Leadership, who was one of the workshop leaders. “It’s about making sure our theological work leads us toward justice, dignity, and inclusion.”
One particularly powerful moment during the training came when participants reflected on how certain Scripture passages have historically been used to justify patriarchy and harmful cultural norms. Engaging with the biblical texts and looking at their context helped participants shift perspectives and see how reading the Bible in context can be a tool to challenge injustices.
Through Bible studies, workshops, and group discussions, they discussed theological topics, including baptism, the priesthood of all believers, and ordained ministry, through a lens of justice and inclusion. Photo: LWF
The participants returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear next step. Each will now plan and implement a small project focused on responsible theology, gender justice, and leadership in their respective contexts. Photo: LWF
A recurring theme was the space for women theologians within church leadership. Participants highlighted how even ordained women are sometimes restricted from fulfilling their ministry. This affirmed the program’s mission to equip both women and men to advocate for inclusive and gender-just leadership.
Alongside theological reflection, the workshop built on transformative learning as a method for personal and communal renewal. Sessions on gender-just leadership, hermeneutics, self-care, project design, values-based leadership, and the LWF strategy supported participants in imagining new ways to lead within their own contexts.
“The week created space for honest conversations, mutual encouragement,” said Kiilunen. “We left Sabah with a shared commitment to working for churches that reflect God’s justice and grace.”
The participants returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear next step. Each will now plan and implement a small project focused on responsible theology, gender justice, and leadership in their respective contexts.
The program was jointly led by Katariina Kiilunen, Marcia Blasi, LWF Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, and Rev. Au Sze Ngui, Sabah Theological Seminary. The learning materials were developed by a planning group consisting of representatives from LWF member churches and theological institutions in Asia, as well as from ELCA and FELM, who also helped facilitate the sessions. A second round of the TGLE program will launch next year. Applications will be opened this autumn.
