From March 20-22, The Institute for Global Engagement’s Women of Faith for Peace & Security (WFPS) initiative hosted the Women’s Leadership Workshop at Airlie Conference Center in Warrenton, Virginia. Twenty-three Christian women and men gathered to examine their equal calling as ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20), and how that influences the mission of IGE’s Women of Faith for Peace & Security initiative.

Over the course of the workshop participants sought out a practical theology for engagement in these issues, while hearing about tangible projects that WFPS could pursue. Specifically, the group heard from Niki Roberts about local multi-faith initiatives that women at Northwood Church in Keller, Texas have pursued; as well as Myra Dahgaypaw, the Campaign Coordinator at the U.S. Campaign for Burma on the needs of multi-faith women in Burma; and finally from Sirin Hamsho, a scholar, consultant, and activist, who spoke on the needs of Syrian women of faith currently residing as refugees.

As a group, a theory of change was detailed, as well as a strategic plan for the first WFPS global project—a learning delegation of WFPS advisors to conduct assessment on the immediate needs of women of faith in Syrian refugee camps in Jordan.