Blog post
The lifegiving memories of this astoundingly invigorating experience of living as a global church in microcosm remain: here the joyful exhilaration of transcending boundaries to encounter a new sister or brother in Christ stands alongside the demanding – but hugely rewarding – process of listening, empathising, disagreeing, reconciling, transforming and reconstructing.
Living in a vibrantly international ecumenical community has brought me greater awareness of the (sometimes unrecognised or uncelebrated) connections between Gospel and culture and the importance of understanding and engaging with our contexts before venturing in mission.
As a privileged western European, Bossey also opened my eyes to the world’s pain in a vivid way so that when I listen to the international news about atrocities, upheavals, environmental changes and human suffering across the world I can relate the headlines to the lives of individuals whom I regard as friends.
So no longer are the developments in Syria, Egypt or Uganda, in Burma, Pakistan or Bangladesh, in Brazil, Greece or Ukraine merely news stories but the food for more focused prayer and action, knowing that behind the accounts stand the afflicted, wounded yet hope-seeking communities to which my fellow Bossey Graduate School students belong.
For having had the privilege to be part of such a diverse, loving, challenging, aspirational, stimulating and Spirit-filled community I remain deeply thankful.
This reflection was originally published in 2013.
Special WCC webpage: Bossey 80th anniversary
Every story adds another voice to the rich tapestry of Bossey. By sharing your memories, you help preserve the spirit of this unique community and connect generations of people who have found a place of welcome, learning, and fellowship there. Share your story, photographs, reflections, or special memories—and help keep the Bossey experience alive for all who have been part of it, and for those who will come after.
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About the author :
Ainsley Griffiths is an Anglican priest who has served as the Director of Faith, Order and Unity of the Church in Wales since 2018, a role which involves ministering as the Church in Wales’ national ecumenical officer. In this capacity, he draws often on his experience of participating in the 1997 Bossey Graduate School which provided such a wonderful experience of global ecumenism, both in theological vision and transformative practice. Since his ordination in 1998, Ainsley has served in parish, cathedral and university chaplaincy ministry in various parts of Wales.
