Theology of Companionship - Ethics: Companionship, Power, and Asymmetry

Theology of Companionship - Ethics: Companionship, Power, and Asymmetry

msc

Wed, 08/19/2026 - 19:26

The third session of the webinar series focuses on the ethical dimensions of companionship, especially where relationships are shaped by unequal power, privilege, resources, race, gender, geography, or institutional status.

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Photo: Paul Jeffrey

13 January 2027, 15:00 (CET) Register here This webinar will focus on how churches can practice companionship without reproducing patterns of domination, paternalism, or dependency.

Companionship is not neutral. When churches and communities walk together, they bring different histories, wounds, capacities, and vulnerabilities. Some have greater access to visibility, funding, mobility, or decision-making power. Others carry memories of colonization, exclusion, displacement, or silencing. A theology of companionship must therefore take seriously the asymmetries that shape ecumenical relationships.

The session, led by Rev. Prof. Dr. Hyuck Cho, from the Vancouver School of Theology, Canada, will explore how companionship can become an ethical discipline of listening,…