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© Albin Hillert/WCC

© Albin Hillert/WCC

As the Bossey Ecumenical Institute marks 70 years of ecumenical formation, hundreds of current and former students, professors, partners and friends have gathered at the Château du Bossey for days highlighting the work of the institute and the role it has had and continues to play in the ecumenical movement.

“I want to praise God, to thank God, for this is opportunity to meet people from all over the world, from different countries and denominations, and to have fellowship with them,” says Khaing Moh Moh, from Myanmar, a current student of the institute’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies.

Rev. Kokou Pere from Togo, another current Bossey student, reflects, “Gathering here in Bossey, we find unity in our diversities. Here, we can both learn about and see unity, as we live together despite our differences.”

Reflecting on his experience of Bossey as a former student, Fr Mikhail Goundiaev, from the study year of 94/95, says, “Gathering here in Bossey for these days of celebration is a great opportunity to meet friends and fellow students and to learn more about the institute’s work today. But most importantly, I think the fact that so many have come shows us the great usefulness of the Ecumenical Institute, and how highly valued the experiences from Bossey are in many peoples lives.”

Rev. Margarithe Veen, who studied at Bossey in 98/99, continues, “It is simply the case that Bossey is very important to me, and in many ways has been a life-changing experience for me. If there is one place in this world where the ecumenical spirit can truly be seen, then for me that place is Bossey.”

“This weekend, in many ways, is an occasion to mark 70 years of work for reconciliation, not only among churches but also among peoples, and at the same time it is an occasion to look forward, to see that we are also taking new steps in ecumenical education,” concludes Rev. Dr Dagmar Heller, dean of the Ecumenical Institute.

During the weekend of 30 September to 2 October the Bossey Ecumenical Institute hosts a series of events to celebrate seventy years of ecumenical formation.

More information:

Anniversary celebrations: Seventy years of ecumenical formation at Bossey

Bossey Ecumenical Institute

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Radio documentary and broadcast of ecumenical prayer service at the Ecmenical Institute, 2 October 2016 (by RTS)