Giving back
From Indonesia, Rev. Muliathy Briany, Pakpak Dairi Christian Protestant Church, said she is preparing to begin her PhD studies in theology at Jakarta Theological Seminary, where she will research how the role of women in diakonia during the Great Zending era (1815-1940) missionary activities has shaped theological reflection and practice. “I hope this contribution will not only serve my own church but also provide valuable historical insights for churches across Indonesia,” she said.
In Brazil, Gabriela Giese, who serves as communication and public relations coordinator at the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB), will study media practices in managing crises in religious organizations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Her research will examine how churches, especially the IECLB, use media to respond to institutional, social and environmental crises, and the role of communication in expressing faith, particularly in times of tension.
“Transparent, ethical communication and active listening are not only management strategies but ways of witnessing to the gospel. In this light, a crisis can become an opportunity to reaffirm mission, care for life, and strengthen public trust,” Giese explained.
