Publisher's Synopsis
Gender perspectives play a core role when it comes to both the theory and practice of diakonia. This is the second book on diakonia published by Regnum Books. It follows up Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction (2014). Many of the authors belong to VID Specialized University in Norway (Campuses in Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen). They are concerned about the role gender plays within the theory and practice of diakonia. Most of them have experience as diaconal practitioners. The academic context of this publication is thus not gender studies per se, but an interdisciplinary approach where diaconal theory is deepened through the lenses of a gender perspective, and where examples and case studies are provided in order to exemplify the impact of a gender perspective on diaconal theory and practice. The book is a joint venture between VID, Digni and the publisher Regnum Books in Oxford. Diakonia has been identified with women and, tragically therefore, marginalised. In this stunning collection is trenchant critique of the diakonia implicated in imperialism and patriarchy, maintaining the very structures of domination that keep people in need. Here are some radically new models of diakonia that analyse and address gender issues, empowering women rather than 'helping' them. Here are stories from practice, of lives transformed and injustice truly named and contested. This is diakonia with attitude and power, not feminine but feminist, not weak but strong, striding in from the margins to challenge the centre. Susan Durber, World Council of Churches Faith and Order Moderator The authors analyse the role gender plays within the theory and practice of diakonia. This book shows in a convincing way how gender is an integral component of every aspect of the economic, social, religious, daily and private lives of individuals and societies. I warmly recommend this book which follows up the document Diakonia in Context: Transformation, Reconciliation, Empowerment, published by the Lutheran World Federation in 2010. The ecumenical world needs these perspectives. Martin Junge, Lutheran World Federation General Secretary This book is a powerful gift to all people whose hearts are moved by human suffering and who long to help build a more just and compassionate world. The editors artfully weave together social theory and theology in developing gender analysis as a tool for human liberation, empowerment, and healing. Readers will encounter sharp intellectual analysis of the role gender plays in determining access to power and the resources needed for wholeness of life, and will gain invaluable tools for the practice of diakonia. Engaging this text, practitioners of diakonia and of Christian faith will become more apt in heeding the call to ""love thy neighbor"" in a complex world that is shaped by gender inequity and is hungering for abundant life for all. Cynthia D. Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union Berkeley Stephanie Dietrich is Professor at VID Specialized University in Norway. Knud Jorgensen is Adjunct Professor at the MF Norwegian School of Theology. Kari Karsrud Korslien is Assistant Professor at VID Specialized University in Norway. Kjell Nordstokke is Professor Emeritus at Diakonhjemmet University College (now VID).
