Participants from Orthodox,, Protestant and Catholic Traditions came to this seminar to discuss, listen, learn, discern and disagree on the many complex facets of the emerging strong call for Christian women and men to re-look at the feminine images within our Christian tradition, and more specifically to see a relationship with Orthodox spirituality.

Keynote papers were given on such topics as:

"Feminine Images and their spiritual significance in the Eastern and Western Tradition and churches through their ecclesial life in a world of constant change";
"A Bible meditation ­ men and women: equal partners in the Christian community with special reference to Galatians 3:28";
" Women's presence in the life and teaching of Jesus";
"The feminine participation in the communio sanctorum through women's lives";
:Monasticism and spirituality in the Orthodox tradition"
"Icons. Christian religious art and their significance in the Eastern, Oriental and Western churches";
"The Mother of God, the Theotokos, and her role in God's plan for our salvation";
"Women, theology and the Church: understanding the incarnation of faith, spirituality in a specific cultural context" and much more.

A very rich feast from a learned, passionate and deep theological menu of scholarly and feminine perceptions from women and men of faith. Critical issues were raised by our Catholic and Protestant sisters and brothers together with Orthodox participants concerning the place of the feminine in our Orthodox tradition and theology. There was an exchange of views of traditional and feminist theology concerning the ministry of women, the recognition of the ordination of women in Protestant traditions, the differing roles of women in monasticism , and the way in which the laity act out their lives as practicing Christians from whatever tradition or culture.

Suffice to report from my personal comments written at the conclusion of the seminar as to the concerns on the new emerging issues for women in the Church, and more especially for Orthodox women.

On a personal level, living in a small community of women and men, very few known to one before arrival, but who share the same journey of yearning for the truth in their faith is an unusual and unique life experience. The presentations gave many insightful comments on various aspects of both Orthodox and some Protestant practices, with a tiny glimpse of the Catholic tradition.

The disappointment was the reluctance of the forum to deal with the really difficult issues for women when they were raised, and it seems that many questions remain unanswered and unchallenged. Opportunities for real and honest exposure of theological exploration was not pursued, but I am sure that will happen more in the future. Questions on the diversity of cultural context when raised, were often dismissed, but all present came away from the seminar with this issue a major concern for the future. We must be honest in saying before our Protestant and Catholic friends, that not all the Orthodox agree, as do not all our Protestant sisters agree. Our traditions and culture do give different perspectives. Time, of course, always prevents the deeper discussions which seem ready to happen just as we pack up for home! Mind you, the most memorable and often heated discussions seem to take place over a cup of coffee, during Iunch or a stroll around the spring gardens.

However, in diversity and tension, there are positive ideas and thoughts. I feel affirmed that the questions I am asking in the diaspora, are legitimate and searching for the truth, and that my church will not collapse if I continue this journey. Indeed, the comments from the WCC Orthodox Task Group were positive for the work and voices of persons in the diaspora.

The area of ministry "in the whole world and society" and work for women in the church was not widely discussed, nor how we might extend our "feminine" mission into our communities. How we educate our priests and bishops to understand where we are in our thinking and desire to serve the church more fully ,and develop from the subservient role more readily accepted is a challenge for women and indeed laymen in the future.

I regret that more biblical texts were not put forward for discussion, This is an area in the Orthodox church which is little realised and we have much to learn about biblical exegesis. How legitimate is the theology of the laity?

I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this time with an ecumenical group of women and men in such a beautiful place as the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey. I hope these opportunities will continue, and the journey to "know one another" will enrich us all.

Reading brief notes from the issues we raised in our small group, we determined there should be more ongoing discussion and dialogue, inter Orthodox and ecumenical; that there is a need for regional meetings for Orthodox women; we need to witness the spirituality of women who work in secular society taking their faith into the workplace; there is a deep need to pursue the elements of feminine images in biblical references; endorse a fuller and recognised ministry of women; and finally, but not the least, for Orthodox women to seek far more involvement in the Ecumenical Decade programme.