Women, leadership and the church (September 2025)

Wednesday, 10th September 2025, 6:00pm BST
(Online)

The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life hosted an online panel discussion bringing together women in leadership positions within their church to discuss how their faith impacts their life as a woman and the means by which their church creates an inclusive space for women.

About

We were joined by Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman (Head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain), Karen Makomereh (Leader at Kensington Temple), and Reverend Charity Nzegwu (Presbyter in the Methodist Church of Great Britain). The discussion was moderated by Dr Charlotte Littlewood, Director of Research at IIFL.

Watch

The panel

Dr Charlotte Littlewood

Moderator

Dr Charlotte Littlewood is the Director of Research at IIFL. Having started her career as a Prevent practitioner, Charlotte went on to found her own community interest company with the aim of countering extremism and promoting equality. She has advised Muslims Against Antisemitism and authored reports relating to issues of extremism and radicalisation.

Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman

Panellist

Bishop Hławiczka-Trotman is the Head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain. She studied Theology and Ethics in Poland before moving to the UK to serve the Lutheran Church. She brings to her ministry a theology grounded in dialogue, friendship, and inclusion.

Reverend Charity Nzegwu

Panellist

Reverend Nzegwu is a Presbyter in the Methodist Church of Great Britain and Chair of the Connexional Justice, Dignity and Solidarity Committee. Her ministry is grounded in prayer, truth-telling, and building communities of belonging, enriched by her academic background in cancer nursing and global cultures.

Karen Makomereh

Panellist

Karen is a leader at Kensington Temple, which is the largest church in the Elim Pentecostal denomination. Her focus is on discipling women, encouraging them in their spiritual growth whilst mentoring them in their personal and professional endeavors. Professionally, Karen is the Head of Operations at Puma Investments, an asset manager.