Reciprocal Encounter in Twin Diocese Work : Research of the youth work focused collaboration between the Dioceses of Tampere and Manchester

This thesis is describing and enhancing understanding of twin diocese work in youth work. The objective was to present an insight of a partnership model that differs from the traditional way of carrying out twin parish and twin diocese work through international diaconia. The study is calling to evaluate local twinning programmes inside the church and raising discussions about their future development. This thesis was carried out in cooperation with the Church Council and the Parish Union of Tampere. Qualitative data for the research was collected from the case of collaboration between the dioceses of Tampere in Finland and Manchester in the United Kingdom, in which the work culminates in joint confirmation camps, leadership project and employee exchanges. In data collection both individual interviews as well as employees’ reports of the action were used. Altogether seven people, current or former employees from both diocese and young people from Tampere were interviewed. Theoretical literature of the study focuses on ecumenical relationships and inter-national youth work. The results of thesis present five cornerstones of youth work centred twin diocese work; motivation and commitment, relationships, Christian unity, reciprocity and youth participation, which illustrates the importance, requirements and influences of the work to different stakeholders. The study intends to shed light on the challenges with personification and practicalities that this type of partnership model bear and offers development ideas of expanding the action in the future. In this model, young people are the indicators of the work and participative approach is a principal – the work is not done for the youth but together with them. The partnership represents reciprocal collaboration between two denominations that creates space for their members to encounter each other and experience personal or professional growth, friendships and fellowship