Interview with project manager Serena Tiburtini

Serena Tiburtini, regional secretary of the European region of the World Student Christian Federation and global program coordinator for youth, security, and peacebuilding, talks to EMW media officer and editor-in-chief Corinna Waltz, who is implementing the project together with her and many others, about why diversity is a mission for churches, what experiences have shaped her personally, and what her vision of an inclusive church looks like.

Mission Diversity – what is behind the name and the project?

We want to make the mechanisms of discrimination in church spaces visible. Not to assign blame, but to understand: What are the causes? How can we change structures? To this end, we organize focus groups and participatory workshops. We bring together allies (people with privileges who show solidarity and support for discriminated groups) and marginalized voices to make discrimination visible and work on change. It is important to us that young people are empowered as agents of change. They receive theoretical knowledge and practical tools to actively change their churches. This is not about a single event, but about a process. Mission Diversity is intended to be the beginning of a long-term commitment to open and inclusive communities.

Why the focus on Germany, Poland, Finland, and Italy?

The four countries were selected to provide an initial overview of the situation in very different parts of Europe – Southern, Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe – all of which are confronted in their own way with migration and the discourse on intercultural societies. Each country has its own dynamics.

In Germany, more and more churches and congregations are moving towards becoming discrimination-sensitive and anti-racist churches – but this is a long road that requires many allies to overcome obstacles and bring about change. Organizations such as the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (EMW) and its member organizations want to support and actively shape this path, which is why the EMW is also a partner in this project.

Poland is experiencing a profound change in its social fabric due to the arrival of refugees from Ukraine. This has led to a new dynamic in the perception of and approach to migration. Although Poland has not traditionally seen itself as a country of immigration, the growing presence of newcomers is challenging long-held narratives and sparking new conversations in church communities about welcoming culture and identity.

In Finland, too, the church is grappling with the question of how to make inclusion more than just a political goal. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, to which about 60 percent of the population belongs, has begun to address issues of ethnic and cultural diversity more intensively. Especially in cities with growing numbers of migrants and refugees, the question arises of how leadership structures, liturgy, and community life reflect diversity. Subtle barriers such as expectations regarding language or cultural adaptation remain. At the same time, Finland offers an opportunity to show how inclusion can succeed when equality is a strong social value, but unconscious prejudices continue to have an effect.

You yourself live in Italy. What experiences have shaped you?

I grew up Catholic in a region that historically has little diversity. As a child, I saw that only a few women, often from Eastern Europe, joined our parish. It was often assumed – mostly unconsciously – that they were needy or came from difficult circumstances. This attitude was hardly questioned because diversity was considered the exception.

For the past ten years, I have lived in the Waldensian valleys and become more familiar with the Waldensian Church. There, I have witnessed a conscious effort to build community: diversity is not just a principle, but a lived reality. The Essere Chiesa Insieme (“Being Church Together”) initiative stands for this: it emphasizes the presence of different cultures and welcomes different liturgical traditions, music, and practices of faith. Cultural differences remain, but spaces are created in which everyone can participate authentically.

No matter how different the contexts may be. I am convinced that a church that recognizes people in their full dignity requires conscious effort.

What challenges do you anticipate?

Many churches profess diversity, but in reality, people of color are often excluded from leadership positions and decision-making processes. Inclusion must not just mean, “You can be there.” It must mean, “You help shape things.”

Another challenge is awareness of racism in a religious context. It requires sensitivity to talk openly about power, privilege, and prejudice. Our goal is to create spaces where learning is possible – without defensiveness, but with genuine responsibility.

You work with young adults, and they are also the focus of this project. How do you see their specific contribution, and what role do other generations play?

As an organization led by young adults, we focus on their role as drivers and shapers of change. In the project, they not only share their experiences, but also identify the barriers that make it difficult for them to take on leadership roles.

Older generations bring wisdom, historical context, and a deep understanding of church traditions that can be an important guide in our efforts to achieve greater inclusion. Their experience in dealing with social and cultural change can help younger generations understand the long-term impact of their efforts.

Long-term commitment requires conscious dialogue between generations, which strengthens understanding and shared responsibility for a truly inclusive church. That is why, with the follow-up project Mission Diversity 2.0, we not only want to include more countries, but also specifically create spaces where younger and older generations can engage in dialogue – and work together on solutions.

What is your vision for a diverse church?

A church where belonging is not conditional. Where differences are not managed but celebrated.

For me, radical inclusion means sharing power, embedding anti-racist and intersectional education in training and leadership, and structurally involving marginalized voices. Worship services should make different traditions, musical styles, and forms of expression visible so that people can rediscover their identity in faith.

It is important to me that these changes are not isolated. We need permanent leadership roles for people from minority groups, targeted support for young leaders, and transparent structures for justice and accountability.

And what specifically would you like to see from church leaders?

The courage to change. The willingness to relinquish power and open up spaces where diversity is not treated as an add-on, but is a natural part of the picture.

Because a truly inclusive church does not shy away from difficult conversations, but tackles them honestly – trusting in the power of justice, love, and the inviolable dignity of every human being.