Thoughts from a Bossey diary: 1984-1985

It was a very intense period for us, characterised by discussions about the reality of Germany’s division into two distinct political and economic systems. We became friends. At first, I was very insecure about what I wanted and who I was. During the first few weeks, I had close contact with other Western Europeans and Americans. That’s where I felt the greatest sense of connection at the start. That changed significantly over the course of the following weeks.

It takes time to get to know one another. In everyday life, whilst learning and studying, during leisure activities such as playing volleyball, and in general. I had many questions and thoughts about how and who I wanted to be, and could be, amidst this diversity of people and traditions. It was the period following my first theological exam, and wasn’t ordained yet. At Bossey, I learnt to engage with my own tradition and religious culture – to discover what is important to me and what I hold sacred. All this was provisional, as I was aware that I wanted to learn what ecumenism means for me and for my tradition. All in all, it was probably quite exhausting – speaking in English and French, putting up with many differences, the conflicts over theological issues, and coming to terms with my own racially biased ways of thinking, of which I had been unaware. The days were very full from morning to night – with devotions, lectures, group discussions, shared meals, preparatory work, translations, and encounters in all sorts of situations. Sometimes there were no diary entries because there was simply too much going on and no time left for reflection. And sometimes there were longer entries detailing experiences and reflections – and sometimes also about crushes and difficult relationship dynamics – and love stories full of question marks! A key point of debate was the issue of women’s ordination and the role of women in the church. I was involved in the preparatory group for "Women’s Week.” There was a talk by two Orthodox theologians on the subject of ordination. In my diary, I noted the following: 

Two Orthodox theologians gave straightforward answers to the question of women’s roles and women’s ordination. Jesus was a man; the apostles were all men. Jesus instituted the sacrament (the Lord’s Supper); the priest represents Christ. Therefore: only men can be priests. Unbelievable, but true! That was the first lecture, which raised many questions and provoked a sense of dismay and aggression…

There was a seminary group on “Women in the New Testament.” I prepared a paper, but didn’t feel very confident myself. I wished I could be more assertive.

The women’s group in Bossey worked intensively to prepare a Women’s Week: the role of women in different cultures and situations. We were in the minority in Bossey – 16 out of 64 students. We also discussed our own situation within a male-dominated environment. I worked on feminist theology there.There was also a very difficult experience within the women’s group. 

European Cultural Evening

Ioan Sauca and I performed and danced a waltz as part of European culture! That was great! 

Genuine encounters often arise precisely where there is honest debate – situations in which I do not always feel at ease, but which are necessary in order to engage with others, to recognise their differences and to cope with those differences. Ecumenical encounter is not, then, a simple compromise for the sake of harmony and unity, but rather a process of opening oneself up to others – which may also mean that I myself must go through painful experiences in order to achieve genuine communication. And when we throw ourselves into these encounters, drawing closer to one another – even if we do not always feel at ease or at home – then there is faith and hope that what we are to become has not yet been revealed, and that we are on the path towards our calling to the fellowship of Jesus Christ.

What I learnt in Bossey: (as recorded in my diary):

1. to see how important it is, to see the differences clearly, to come to a true dialogue of understanding

2. To explain my own tradition and see my own relationship to my church in different aspects

3. I learned how difficult and interesting it is to have an honest dialogue with people of other cultures and how important it is, to make differences clear for coming to  a deeper understanding. And also I learned to explain, to express, and understand better my own tradition und church which helps me to see where I am and to think about what am I going to do. 

I have now been retired since September 2023. In August 2023, together with a colleague, I ran a pastoral training course at Bossey on the theme “With courage and compassion – women’s contributions to the ecumenical movement and the WCC.” We worked alongside Nicqi Ashwood, visited the archives, and prepared our own short presentations.This marked the start of further research and the formation of a project group focusing on women in the ecumenical movement and the WCC. We want to raise the profile of women’s contributions to ecumenism within the German context. We will be running a workshop at the 2027 Kirchentag in Düsseldorf. In August 2025, I published an article in zeitzeichen magazine on the participation of women at the First Universal Conference on Life and Work in Stockholm in 1925. Looking back, I can see that, ever since my time at Bossey, there has been a common thread running through my theological and church-related work: the fight for justice, feminist theology, anti-racism work, and my commitment to the ecumenical movement.

The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Do you have a memory to share? You can help preserve the spirit of this unique community and connect generations of people who have found a place of welcome, learning, and fellowship there. Share your story, photographs, reflections, or special memories—and help keep the Bossey experience alive for all who have been part of it, and for those who will come after.

Email: [email protected]

WCC special webpage: Bossey 80th anniversary

Learn more about the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey

Walk with Rev. Dr Antti Laine on transformational journey at Bossey (WCC interview, 9 September 2026)

Bossey alum reflects on special years of living and learning (WCC interview, 18 August 2026)

Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley: “Bossey experience a gift and opportunity” (WCC interview, 1 September 2026)