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After a temporary shut-down in 2020 due to COVID-19, Bossey was able emerge with resilience, creativity and fortitude. From offering online classes, then a hybrid format and now back to in-person instruction while observing COVID-19 safety protocols, Bossey has kept moving forward.
For Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, WCC acting general secretary and director of the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, throughout its history, Bossey has been “a safe space of life transforming experiences and formation of a new generation of ecumenical leaders through study, mutual challenges and exposures, common prayer and life in community. It has always been our hope that they continue to seek and build new ecumenical relationships between faith communities in their home contexts,” he said.
The institute also looks back on a rich history of educating and inspiring the next generation of young ecumenists, becoming an extended family for many of them over the decades.
Bossey’s newest offering is currently being unveiled: a Formation en Théologie Interculturelle course that began 22 October, marking the first such course for French-speaking parts of Europe.
Bossey has also been able to start hosting visitors again, including the meeting with 40 ecumenical officers from all over the world taking place this week.
As Bossey celebrates 75 years, the students themselves offer hope for the next 75 years and beyond.
As Rongliang Bian from the China Christian Council, and a 2021 student at Bossey, said: “Here I have met friends from different countries; I have been able to learn a little bit about their cultures and their churches. I think it’s very important to have an international view and ideas because we come from different cultures and backgrounds.”
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Photo:
Camille Vianin/WCC
