A group of Theologically Trained Women of India met in 1977 at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College & Research Institute under the leadership of Shanthi Solomon and D Hoeffer, a German Missionary. This conference had three-fold purpose: To help theologically trained women to explore ways and extend responsible participation in the total life of and mission of the church; To focus the attention of Churches on presence of theologically trained women of India among them and to recognize their potential; and To encourage theologically trained women to organize themselves into an All-India Association to develop strategies for meeting their needs.
Conferences of the theologically trained women were held in 1978 and in 1979. Sixty theologically trained women of India representing various denominations met at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Madras (Chennai) for a conference from February 20 – 22, 1979 on the theme “Dare, Share and Act.” In that conference an ad hoc committee was constituted to draft a Constitution for forming the Association of Theologically Trained Women of India under the leadership of Dr. Shanthi Solomon.
Since then ATTWI meets regularly both at national and at regional levels. Today we see women in various positions as pastors, theological educators, counselors, Bishops, and leaders of various organizations. ATTWI organises seminars, workshops, and fellowship for theologically trained women and provides a space for women theologians to share their experiences and prospects in theological education as well as in ministry at large.
ATTWI continues her vision and mission in encouraging her members to understand the potential that they have been created with, and to be channels of justice and peace in a broken world. ATTWI empowers her members to raise their voices together against the injustices done to women, the marginalized, and to nature. ATTWI stands with the church through her members in establishing the reign of God on the earth.
At present ATTWI is a member of Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC) and a member of the National Council of Churches in India – NCCI. Both these bodies are also represented in the Executive Committee of ATTWI and in this way ATTWI is integrally linked to both the churches in India and theological education in India. ATTWI is the only body for theologically trained women of India that is officially recognised by both Senate of Serampore and the NCCI.
ATTWI officers, Executive Committee members, and the Regional Secretaries greet the church in India, all theological Institutions, church related organizations, women of India
and especially theologically trained women in India on behalf of the Association of
Theological Trained Women of India.
Theologically trained women of India stand united to contribute to ATTWI in whatever way we can (adding members, paying membership fee, writings, expressing solidarity, organizing, praying, strengthening each other, sharing knowledge etc.) to make ATTWI visible, vibrant, powerful, and relevant, and shine as a blessing to our churches in India, to theological education, and to our society at large. Let us bring transformation and do our best to make a difference.