Association of Theologically Trained Women of India

The Association of Theologically Trained Women of India, commonly abbreviated as ATTWI, is an ecumenical association of Indian women theologians and theologically trained women. It was constituted in Chennai in 1979 following two preparatory conferences held in the city in 1977 and 1978. The organization emerged from concerns that women who had received formal theological education were not being adequately recognized or included in the life, ministry, and decision-making structures of churches in India. The initiative began in 1977, when Shanti Solomon and D. Hoeffer, a German missionary, helped organize a conference for theologically trained women. The meeting had three connected aims: to enable women theologians to consider responsible forms of participation in the wider life and mission of the Church; to draw the attention of churches to the presence and potential of theologically trained women; and to encourage the women to create an all-India organization capable of addressing their common needs. A second conference took place in Chennai in 1978. In 1979, an ad hoc committee was formed to prepare a constitution, after which ATTWI was established. ATTWI is inter-denominational rather than limited to a single church tradition. Its membership is described as being open to women holding a theology degree awarded by the Senate of Serampore College (University), or another theological qualification recognized by that institution. The association's work has therefore combined professional fellowship, advocacy, theological reflection, and efforts to improve women's participation in ecclesial life. Reference material describes the organization as having more than 500 members, although the date of that membership figure is not specified. The association's concerns extend beyond the status of women in church employment or ministry. Its described social and public-interest interests include the uplift of women and girls, women's and girl-child rights, dialogue with relevant organizations, and representation on behalf of women and girls. In this respect, ATTWI links theological education with broader questions of gender justice, social awareness, and community development. ATTWI has also been associated with theological and church-related publications. A notable example is Count Us Equal: The Ministry of Women in the Church of South India, published in 1990 by the Association of Theologically Trained Women of India. Feminist Hermeneutics, edited by Lalrinawmi Ralte and Evangeline Anderson Rajkumar and published by ISPCK in 2002, is another work connected with the organization's wider intellectual context. The available reference material does not identify a commercial product portfolio, a corporate parent, a public listing, or a current central headquarters. ATTWI is best understood as a professional, ecumenical, and advocacy-oriented association rather than a consumer brand.

ATTWI developed from a series of initiatives intended to address the limited recognition and participation of theologically trained women within Indian churches. In 1977, Shanti Solomon and D. Hoeffer, a German missionary, pioneered a conference in Chennai for women who had received theological training. The conference was organized around three objectives: helping participants explore responsible participation in the Church's total life and mission; bringing the presence and capabilities of women theologians to the attention of churches; and encouraging the formation of a national association that could formulate strategies for meeting women's professional and ecclesial needs. A second conference was held in Chennai in 1978. These meetings provided the organizational basis for a more permanent body. In 1979, an ad hoc committee was constituted to draft a constitution, and the Association of Theologically Trained Women of India became an established association that year. Its ecumenical character allowed women from different Christian denominations and institutional backgrounds to participate in a shared forum rather than limiting the organization to one church. Membership has been described as restricted to women who hold a theology degree from the Senate of Serampore College (University), or another theological degree recognized by the Senate. This qualification-based membership reflects ATTWI's identity as a professional association for women with formal theological education. Its remit, however, is broader than professional networking. Descriptions of the organization emphasize advocacy for women and the girl child, engagement with questions of women's rights, dialogue with relevant organizations, and representation on behalf of women and girls. The association's activities have also contributed to discussions of women's ministry, feminist theological interpretation, and the place of women in church life. Its publishing record includes Count Us Equal: The Ministry of Women in the Church of South India, issued in 1990, and its name is associated with the development of theological conversations represented by works such as Feminist Hermeneutics, published by ISPCK in 2002. These materials indicate an interest in documenting women's ministry and advancing theological approaches attentive to gender. The available sources describe ATTWI as having more than 500 members, but do not provide a dated membership census or sufficient information about its present administration, finances, offices, or programs. They also do not establish a current website or a definitive headquarters. Accordingly, its founding history and stated mission are documented more clearly than its contemporary operations.

• 2002

  Publication of Feminist Hermeneutics

  [1]Association of Theologically Trained Women of Indiaen.wikipedia.org

  Feminist Hermeneutics, by Lalrinawmi Ralte and Evangeline Anderson Rajkumar, was published by ISPCK in New Delhi in a theological context connected with ATTWI's concerns.

• 1990

  Publication of Count Us Equal

  [1]Association of Theologically Trained Women of Indiaen.wikipedia.org

  The association published Count Us Equal: The Ministry of Women in the Church of South India, a 216-page work on women's ministry in the Church of South India.

• 1979

  ATTWI constituted

  [1]Association of Theologically Trained Women of Indiaen.wikipedia.org

  An ad hoc committee drafted a constitution, and the Association of Theologically Trained Women of India became an established organization.

• 1978

  Second preparatory conference

  [1]Association of Theologically Trained Women of Indiaen.wikipedia.org

  A further conference in Chennai continued the organizing work that led to a national association for theologically trained women.

• 1977

  First conference for theologically trained women

  [1]Association of Theologically Trained Women of Indiaen.wikipedia.org

  Shanti Solomon and D. Hoeffer pioneered a conference in Chennai to discuss women's participation in church life, recognition by churches, and the creation of a national association.

An ecumenical professional and advocacy association seeking to strengthen the participation of theologically trained women in Indian churches and to connect theological education with women's and girls' rights.

• Publication · 1990

  Count Us Equal: The Ministry of Women in the Church of South India

  A 1990 publication associated with the Association of Theologically Trained Women of India. The work examines the ministry of women in the Church of South India and reflects the association's interest in documenting women's roles and advocating for fuller recognition of their contribution to church life.

• Theological publication · 2002

  Feminist Hermeneutics

  A theological work by Lalrinawmi Ralte and Evangeline Anderson Rajkumar, published by ISPCK in New Delhi in 2002. It represents the feminist theological and interpretive concerns associated with the intellectual environment in which ATTWI worked.

1. 1Association of Theologically Trained Women of Indiaen.wikipedia.org