After a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ecumenical Institute at Château de Bossey is once again accepting applications for students to spend a semester at the Switzerland campus. The institute is attached to the University of Geneva.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Along with participation in council activities, membership also provides students a chance to study ecumenism at Bossey.
“Any student in a theological institution or in their first year of ministry can apply,” said Dr. Dianna Wright, director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations with the Office of the General Assembly. “The WCC advises that it is typically for students under the age of 30 because it is difficult for persons above 30 to acquire the necessary Swiss papers to participate.”
Students who are admitted to the Ecumenical Institute for the academic year 2022–23 are also admitted and will participate in the Global Ecumenical Theological Institute during the 11th Assembly of the WCC in Karlsruhe, Germany, Aug. 31–Sept. 8, 2022.
“It is an opportunity for our students to gain a better understanding of Christians in other parts of the world and experience cultural and religious traditions that may be different from their own,” Wright said. “The experience will open hearts and minds to learning about other people and their unique ways of loving and worshiping God.”
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Carson Blake
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Carson Blake
Selection to the program will be based on:
- Membership or active participation in PC(USA) congregations
- Demonstrated commitment to or strong interest in ecumenical engagement
- Potential for ecumenical and interfaith partnership with and on behalf of the church in the future
- Academic ability
- Candidates in seminary and/or with a bachelor’s degree are welcome to apply.
Wright says the Eugene Carson Blake Scholarship is available to support students with tuition, room and board.
“Rev. Blake was a Stated Clerk of the General Assembly who served as the president of the National Council of Churches as well as general secretary of the World Council of Churches,” Wright said. “The scholarships are awarded to individuals with a strong interest or commitment to ecumenical engagement, participation in PC(USA) congregations, academic ability, and the potential for ecumenical and interfaith partnership with a church in the future.”
Click here for more information about the program. The studies will run for one academic semester from mid-September to the end of January. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30.