WCC news: WCC Ecumenical Institute at Bossey to mark 80 years with two global webinars

As part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, two webinars will be held exploring the institute’s enduring contribution to ecumenical formation and its future role in advancing Christian unity, reconciliation, common witness, and diakonia. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC  4 August 2026 For eight decades, Bossey has been more than a place of study. It has been a shared way of life within the ecumenical fellowship, bringing together people from diverse churches, cultures, and regions to live, learn and pray together. The anniversary webinar series will examine the institute’s past and present impact while opening conversations about the future of theological and ecumenical formation. The first webinar, “The Bossey Experience – Living, Learning, and Praying at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey,” will take place on 1 September 14:30 CET. Bossey alumni from a range of denominational affiliations and regional networks will join former and current members of the teaching staff to reflect on the transformative experience of studying and living at Bossey. The discussion will also offer practical information for prospective participants, including guidance on applying for admission and opportunities to support the institute. Contributors will include Rev. Dr Dagmar Heller, academic dean at Bossey from 2014 to 2017; Rev. Prof. Dr Lawrence Iwuamadi, academic dean; Anu Talvivaara, Bossey admissions officer; and alumni from diverse ecclesial and regional contexts. The second webinar, “80 Years of Bossey in the Mirror of Theological Biographies,” will be held on 7 September 14:30 CET. Theologians representing Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Protestant, and Roman Catholic traditions will consider Bossey as a laboratory of ecumenism. Drawing on the ecumenical legacies of influential figures including Suzanne de Diétrich, Nikos Nissiotis, and John Mbiti, contributors will explore how their theological visions can inform the future of formation at Bossey. The panel will include leading theologians and ecumenical practitioners from churches, universities, and international organizations. Together, the two webinars will be part of the celebrations of Bossey’s rich heritage while inviting a new generation to engage with its continuing mission: fostering dialogue, deepening understanding, and equipping people for shared Christian witness in a changing world. More information and registration for webinar 1 More information and registration for webinar 2 Learn more about the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland