From August 28 to 31, 2026, the Women’s Ministries leaders from across the Inter-European Division (EUD) territory gathered for their Advisory in Collonges-sous-Salève, France, held in the presence of Dr. Galina Stele, WM director of the General Conference, and chaired by Dagmar Dorn, EUD WM director. Sixteen leaders from all EUD-affiliated countries came together to reflect on the past term, look ahead, and outline strategic priorities for the next four years. The Women’s Ministries leader from Ukraine also joined the meetings.
A deeply meaningful highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the Lord’s Supper with foot washing during the Sabbath service. This moment brought Jesus’ ministry vividly before our eyes. The atmosphere was reverent and tender, marked by heartfelt prayer and renewed dedication.
Pastor Ruben de Abreu, EUD Executive Secretary, presented the Strategic Plan for the new quinquennium, shaped by the theme “I will go, I will seek your good.” Its core concepts — Communion, Identity, Belonging, and Mission — resonate strongly with the Women’s Ministries pillars of nurture, empower, and outreach. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to sharing hope with women in ways that respond meaningfully to their needs.
Reports from the Fields
Leaders presented updates from their respective regions, once again demonstrating the creativity and dedication with which women proclaim God’s message. Dr. Galina Stele provided insights from the broader global context of the world church, offering valuable perspective and encouragement. Importance was placed on open exchange: leaders shared both joys and challenges from their fields. This dialogue allowed issues to be addressed with honesty and mutual support.
The entire gathering was marked by an exceptional atmosphere of sisterhood and trust. Particularly moving were the reflections shared by our Ukrainian sister, whose testimony illustrated the remarkable resilience of women who, even in challenging circumstances, continue to live out their calling with God’s help.
A newly adapted Leadership Training for the German-speaking countries was introduced. This program is tailored to the needs of local congregations and equips women with practical skills for ministry and leadership
Among the field initiatives, the Bulgarian project Her Story stood out. Closely aligned with the onevoice27 / All Things New vision, it has gained significant attention among women on social media and continues to inspire many.
Commitment to Safety: enditnow
The global enditnow initiative remains a central priority. Ensuring that our church is a safe place for all is essential, and both prevention and active response to violence continue to be emphasized.
Spain presented the platform against violence designed to raise awareness about violence within the church context. This initiative strengthens education, visibility, and prevention efforts, offering congregations practical tools to recognize and address harmful dynamics early.
Encounters with History and Health
As the Advisory took place at the Adventist University in Collonges, participants visited the Adventist History Museum on campus. The exhibit powerfully illustrates the history of European Adventism, of which women have been a great part. Another highlight was the visit to La Lignière Clinic in Switzerland, near Collonges. Its history reflects the longstanding commitment to integrating health, lifestyle, and holistic well-being.
In all, the advisory was a great opportunity for the WM leaders of the EUD to get to know each other better, be inspired by what women are doing in the various regions, and network.