2026 CONFERENCE
The 2026 IEWG Conference will be held in Norway.
More information about the venue can be found by clicking the website link https://www.oslohostel.com/nb
To register for the 2026 Conference, please scan the QR Code on the Poster, or click on the link below.
IIEWG PROGRAM
Here is a little more information about the IEWG program
(The timetable might change, but this is roughly what you can expect)
The theme is deaf and hearing working together.
Sep. 28th MONDAY – ARRIVAL ALL DAY
(Lunch is not included)
18.00-19.00 Dinner
19.00-19.30 Evening prayer
19.30- Socializing
Sep 29th TUESDAY AND Sep 30th WEDENSDAY
7.00-8.45 breakfast
9.00-9.30 Morning prayer
9.30-11.00 Main speaker – Hanna Lewis
11.00-11.30 short break
11.30-12.00 Main speaker – Sonja Myre Holten
12.00-12.30 Questions / feedback
12.30-14.00 Lunch break
14.00-15.30 panel
15.30-16.00 coffee break
16.00-17.30 break out groups where they share their stories / presenting work shop
17.30-18.00 short break
18.00-19.00 Dinner
19.00-19.30 Evening prayer
19.30- Socializing
Sep 29th TUESDAY AND Sep 30th WEDENSDAY
7.00-8.45 breakfast
9.00-9.30 Morning prayer
9.30-11.00 Main speaker – Bishop Sunniva Gylver
11.00-11.30 short break
11.30-12.00 Questions / feeback
12.00-12.30 work shop
12.30-14.00 Lunch break
14.00-15.30 Work shop
15.30-16.00 coffee break
16.00-17.30 presenting work shop
17.30-18.00 short break
18.00-19.00 Dinner
19.00-19.30 Evening prayer
19:30- Socializing
Okt. 1st THURSDAY – EXCURTIONDAY
7.00-8.45 breakfast
9.00-9.30 Morning prayer
9.30-10.15 General assembly
10.30 EXCURTIONS in OSLO
15:30 Oslo Deaf church (coffee / light meal)
16:30 Evening prayer (Oslo deaf church)
17.30 Buss back to Rønningen
19.00-20.00 Special dinner
20.00 – Socializing
Okt 2nd FRIDAY – DEPARTURE ALL DAY
7.00-8.45 breakfast
9:30 Buss to airport
SPEAKERS:
Hanna Lewis will be one of the main speakers, lecturing about how deaf and hearing can work together. At the last supper, Jesus prayed for his disciples “May they be one, so that the world will believe”. How can we work as one despite our challenges, different cultures and abilities? The lecture explores this from theological and Deaf perspectives
We have also invited:
– The Bishop of Oslo to talk about minorities and majorities benefitting from each other.
– OsloMet University to talk about integrating deaf people in the workplace.
There will be panel debates and workshops with sign poetry, dramatization, drawing, creative prayer, sermon preparation.
Sonja M. Holten – on bilingual workplaces “hearing people are our leaders” about the challenges when deaf and hearing work together, and ways to change the future to ensure that the statement “deaf people are our leaders” can also be true.
Sonja and Hanna will go into more depth in their panel. Everyone will have the possibility to submit questions.
Hanna Lewis – At the last supper, Jesus prayed for his disciples “May they be one, so that the world will believe”. Does this mean Deaf and hearing church should work together more? Can Deaf and hearing churches work together? What does ‘Christian Unity’ mean for Deaf Church? This presentation will explore these questions from theological and Deaf perspectives.
Rev Dr Hannah Lewis is a Deaf priest from the UK who has a MA in theology from Cambridge University and a PhD in Deaf Liberation Theology from University of Birmingham. Her PhD was published as a book in 2007 and since then she has continued to write and publish and present in the area of Deaf, disabled people, theology and the church. She was ordained priest in the diocese of Lichfield in 1998 and has worked with both Deaf and hearing churches in different ways. Currently she is chaplain among the Deaf community for the Diocese of Oxford and an honorary Chaplain to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
Sunniva Gylver – Oslo Bishop – Liberation theology (and a bit about how the Norwegian church has integrated the deaf church.
Liberation theology is a Christian movement that interprets the gospel of Jesus Christ through the lived experiences of the poor and oppressed. Originating in Latin America in the 1960s, it emphasizes social justice, political activism, and the belief that God calls believers to actively change the societal structures that cause poverty.
The Lens of Oppression: The Bible is read through the perspective of the oppressed. Jesus is framed not just as a spiritual savior, but as a liberator who brings freedom from political, economic, and social bondage.
Latest Message
IEWG BOARD
Looks forward to seeing you at the 2026 Conference in Norway
Written English Language Translation
Hello!
The IEWG Board would like to share a few updates. Gill Behenna from England, a member of IEWG, has retired. The IEWG Board wishes to thank her for the years of collaboration and wishes her all the best in the future.
Gill’s departure has led to some changes within the Board. The Board has decided to appoint me, Tuula Mertanen from Finland, as the new Chairperson. Susan Myatt from England has been appointed as Vice Chairperson. This marks a historic moment for IEWG, as it now has its first Deaf Chairperson. The Vice Chairperson is also Deaf, making this another milestone for IEWG. The Board is very pleased about this development.
The next IEWG conference will take place next year, from 28 September to 2 October, in Oslo, Norway. As you know, Norway is a very expensive country. The Board has been working hard to find the most affordable accommodation options so that everyone—regardless of financial situation—can participate. We want to offer equal opportunities for everyone to attend!
We apologize for the delay and will share more information about the conference very soon. Please stay tuned for our updates!
God bless you all!
Goodbye.
Hannah Lewis
Rev Dr Hannah Lewis is a Deaf priest from the UK who has a MA in theology from Cambridge University and a PhD in Deaf Liberation Theology from University of Birmingham. Her PhD was published as a book in 2007 and since then she has continued to write and publish and present in the area of Deaf, disabled people, theology and the church. She was ordained priest in the diocese of Lichfield in 1998 and has worked with both Deaf and hearing churches in different ways. Currently she is chaplain among the Deaf community for the Diocese of Oxford and an honorary Chaplain to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
