CODE Forum International Webinars: Academic Year 2025–2026

The CODE Forum is:

• an open international network focused on community development (local practice) and diaconia (Christian social practice)
• a space which welcomes teachers, researchers, practitioners, and students
• a dialogical, reciprocal space for sharing and discussing ideas and concepts which inform and are informed by practice (‘we do what we study’)
• a research and development network which sets local practice in a wider context
• a network which organises a webinar each semester, international projects and a
  biennial meeting

The CODE Forum is a recognised network of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi).

Webinar Themes and Dates for 2025–2026

The international planning group for the CODE Forum webinar series has agreed to develop the theme of food including how food is shared, and how food poverty can be addressed in an innovative way. It will also look at food security and sustainability and how Christian social practice can engage with the issue of food justice. In each webinar there will be a space for research, innovative practice and theological reflection.

Webinar 1, 21st November 2025:

Innovative Practice for Sharing Food
– Research, Practice and Reflection

In a time of food poverty which affects many people the question of the diaconal role in food with affected people is increasingly questioned. On the one hand diaconal food sharing is an area for innovative practice, including political practice. The topics covered by this webinar will include research on diaconal food sharing. We will explore local practices of food sharing as community building and as support for action for change.

From a diaconal perspective, sharing food and having a meal are closely related but not the same. Sharing food takes on a deeper meaning against the horizon of sharing a meal together, as the embodiment of community or solidarity. This intrinsic connection between receiving, offering, sharing, and celebrating is visible in the Eucharist. The webinar will therefore pay attention to the theological reflection on the relationship between sharing a meal at the Eucharistic Table, at other tables and diaconal food sharing practice.

Webinar 2, 24th April 2026:

Innovative Practice for Food Security and Sustainability
– Analysis, Practice and Theology

Food poverty and hunger are not usually ‘accidental’! This webinar will probe the reasons for food insecurity, including the impact of climate change and the impact of civil conflict and war. However food poverty may be seen as an aspect of globalisation where the best land is given over to food production for export (global food chains).

The topics for the webinar will include the analysis of food (in)security as well as practice and research on engagement for food security and sustainability. Ways to ensure food security in areas where there is food poverty and related political engagement for food justice security will be discussed. As well as theological reflection, for example on land or soil as factors influencing food production as well as the churches’ ownership of land which is, or which may be used for sustainable food production will be discussed.

Notes:

• Both Webinars will be at the following time:
  8.00-11.00 UK/9.00-12.00 CET/10.00-13.00 EET
• The Webinar language is English
• It is not necessary to be at the first webinar to join the second in the series.

Howspace

The materials, including PowerPoint presentations and recordings from the previous webinars in this series continue to be collected on Howspace. The availability of the recordings and presentations depends on the permission of each presenter. The page also includes details of the upcoming webinar.

Presentations may be downloaded and used for educational purposes. The address is:
https://international-diaconia-webinars.in.howspace.com/welcome

The invitation-only link to the platform can be obtained from Ville Päivänsalo (address below).

More Information

Information about Webinar web pages and the invitation-only link to the platform can be obtained from ville.paivansalo@diak.fi.

If you have any questions about the Webinar series or would like to receive updates, please contact one of these addresses:

Oksana Prosvirnina
oksana.prosvirnina@outlook.com

Tony Addy
praxis@pro-vocation.org

The international webinar series is co-organised by an international partnership of members of the CODE Forum.