THEOBALT is from the beginning a series of conferences within the international programme of the diocese of Visby, Church of Sweden. It all started with a motion to the clergy meeting in Visby in 1979, suggesting that informal, consultative and society oriented meetings be arranged between the regular clergy meetings.

Bishop Tore Furberg realized at the same time, how the religious community on Gotland could be enriched by external experience. This awareness combined with the 1979 motion became the foundation for an exchange with the churches in the neighbouring region. The aim was to create a forum for theological discussion concerning topical issues in contemporary society - a theological fellowship for all the Baltic area.

The name was minted accordingly - "Theology around the Baltic Sea" which resulted in the acronym Theobalt.