Roots, Faith and Identity: People and Communities Living on the Land
SPEAKERS / GROUP DISCUSSIONS
The conference in Sibiu 2026 had two keynote speakers Lothar Schullerus and Roger Parvu, as well as panel discussions with global and regional representatives on ‘Culture, Identity and Faith’ or ‘Training & Equipping for Ministry and Mission in Rural Places’.
There were also workshops on different topics relating to our theme, meeting in ‘family groups’ of around 10 people from different regions or backgrounds.
Accommodation for the Pre-conference in Ilieni
The conference theme: ‘Roots, Faith and Identity: People and Communities Living on the Land’ reflects the deeply embedded nature of faith and history in Europe. As we face an increasingly complicated global situation and wrestle with questions of identity and relationships with land and each other, the conference aims to provide opportunities to share our stories as we build relationships and walk through life together as an international and ecumenical community.
Inviting the world to Sibiu and the wider region of Transylvania – whether in person or remotely – offered conference participants an opportunity to experience the deeply rooted nature of history and identity in Romania, while also introducing participants to a wide variety of cultures, ethnicities, languages and churches. Through keynote speakers, panel discussions, tours and small group workshops on different topics, IRCA 2026 in Sibiu encouraged and inspired people who are passionate about rural ministry as we listen, learn and share together.
We hope these stored resources, available to use in your own rural church context, will encourage and inspire others.
Monday Evening Welcome and Worship
Dr Heather Major’s full welcome address can be read here
Tuesday Morning Worship
Keynote address: Roots, History, and Identity
Keynote address on 21.07.26 by Martin Lothar Schullerus
Facebook video available here
Tour of Sibiu, gathered with the priest at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church on “Ecumenical Street” Strada Mitropoliei
Wednesday Morning Worship
Panel: Faith, Culture, and Identity
Bishop Daniel Premkumar
Alice Kyarimpa
Natasha He
Géza Sógor
Thursday Morning Worship
Eternity was Born in a Village: Reflections on Rural Spirituality in Transylvania
Keynote address on 23.07.26 by Roger Parvu,
Click here for the screen presentation
Click here for Roger’s script
Other Resources
An Overview of CNI Diocese of Bombay
