Ministry by the Seashore: FEET Conference in Albania

Members of the Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians (FEET) gathered for their biennial conference from 9th to 13th October in what was probably its most spectacular setting yet. On the shores of the Adriatic Sea at the Grand Blue Fafa Hotel, Golem, just a few kilometres from Ancient Illyricum (modern Dürres), where the apostle Paul probably ministered, the Fellowship explored the subject ‘Faithful in Times of Turmoil: Responses to Conflicts, War, and Nationalism in Europe’. If there had been any doubt, the outbreak of riots in the streets of Tirana as attendees made their way home underlined the topic’s significance.

FEET’s conference immediately followed the European Evangelical Alliance’s (EEA) ‘Hope for Europe’ gathering. The EEA had collaborated with the Fellowship in choosing the theme, hoping that it would offer theological guidance to the various Alliances on the continent facing increasingly turbulent times.

The six main papers gave in-depth analyses, showing the challenges in defining terms such as nation and nationalism, exploring the biblical understanding of peoplehood, and the historical development of modern nationhood. A further paper portrayed various contemporary approaches to Christian political involvement, from active collaboration in national projects to critical presence at the margins. The difficult task of Ukrainian believers was memorably described in a further talk, as they need to rethink formerly cherished theological principles in the face of invasion by a foreign power. The main sessions were accompanied by workshops where attendees presented short papers both on the conference theme and wider range of topics.

In the conviction that good theology demands doxology, the conference commenced each day with Bible readings and prayer or attendance at a local Albanian evangelical church. Ciprian Gheorghe-Luca’s biblical expositions were an eloquent testimony to the personal and public dimensions of the political questions under discussion.

FEET Conferences always offer an opportunity to renew friendships and begin new ones, and Golem was no exception. Notably, attendees represented every ‘corner’ of Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula to Ukraine and Georgia, and from Scandinavia to Italy and Albania… not to forget guests from South Africa! This reflects FEET’s continuing growth and influence as a pan-European fellowship.

Since the conference was not intended to be an ‘in-house’ discussion but to serve the European Evangelical constituency, FEET will be publishing all conference papers, plus further invited ones, together with Langham in 2027.

Stephen Dray and David Kramer