WCC news: WCC Ecumenical Institute at Bossey opens applications for 2026 Certificate in Interreligious Studies

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 edition of its Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Interreligious Studies. The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 11 December 2025 The CAS in Interreligious Studies offers a unique, accredited program designed to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful interfaith dialogue. The course comprises a three-week distance-learning component followed by a three-week immersive residential session at the Ecumenical Institute just outside Geneva, Switzerland. Upon completion, participants will earn 10 ECTS credits.  This year’s theme, “Creation in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Interreligious Perspectives on Ecological Responsibility,” invites participants to explore the theological, historical, and practical dimensions of ecological stewardship through the lens of three Abrahamic faiths.  For Bossey’s academic dean, Fr Prof. Dr Lawrence Iwuamadi, “The CAS in Interreligious Studies 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the urgent intersection of interreligious dialogue, cooperation, and the care for creation. Anchored in the WCC’s Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action, this year’s theme calls for bold, collaborative scholarship that responds to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.” The program is taught in English by professors from the Ecumenical Institute, together with experts from WCC and partners from Jewish and Muslim communities, in association with the University of Geneva’s Autonomous Faculty of Protestant Theology.  Applications are open until 6 March 2026.  For more information, including the full study plan and application instructions, please visit this link.  Learn more about the 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

RNS Morning Report - Lobster Jesus: Sacrilege or the most New England Nativity ever?

Top Stories Lobster Jesus: Sacrilege or the most New England Nativity ever? (RNS) — Inspired by Cape Cod cuisine and a beloved holiday movie, the Lobster Nativity portrays the characters of the Christmas story as crustaceans. Christ Church at 50: How Doug Wilson pushed Christian nationalism to the center MOSCOW, Idaho (RNS) — The pastor, celebrating 50 years in his pulpit, has never had more influence than he does under the current presidential administration. At cathedral, governors of different parties, faiths urge end to political violence WASHINGTON (RNS) — Govs. Spencer Cox and Josh Shapiro — a Mormon and a Jew — critiqued members of both political parties who they think are not doing enough to combat political violence. Massive menorah installed in New York City ahead of Hanukkah NEW YORK (RNS) — The public menorah tradition began in 1973, through an initiative by the Chabad Jewish movement’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, to showcase Jewish pride and encourage the observance of Hanukkah.  Opinion US Gen Zers and millennials are leaving the LDS church, data confirms (RNS) — LDS church leaders have said it is merely a ‘narrative’ that more young adults are leaving the faith. But in the US at least, it’s a narrative driven by data. Celebrity culture distorts the meaning of Marwan Barghouti (RNS) — Can celebrities offer us some moral clarity? ICYMI How kosher is beer? As with other products, it’s increasingly complicated. (RNS) — New guidance about beer, long considered kosher by default, is the latest evolution in kosher certification. UK Christians challenge Christmas rally organized by far-right provocateur (RNS) — The Church of England has countered with posters at bus stops and other locations that say ‘Christ has always been in Christmas’ and ‘Outsiders welcome.’ In Other News Dr. Frederick Haynes III, Friendship-West Baptist Church senior pastor, to run for 30th Congressional District Pope urges Trump not to ‘break apart’ US-Europe relationship Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

Copyright © 2025 RNS, All rights reserved.

Montreat Conference Center - Have You Considered Becoming a Montreat Patron?

What is a Montreat Patron? As the end of the year approaches, we are taking some time in each of our newsletters to highlight the various ways that Montreat Conference Center’s ministry is supported by gifts from individuals, families, churches, and other organizations thanks to a vibrant culture of philanthropy. Regardless of how you engage with Montreat, you have likely experienced the direct impact of these gifts, as roughly 13% of the conference center’s annual budget is comprised of individual donations to our annual unrestricted fund, The Montreat Fund, which supports a variety of programs and scholarships and helps to maintain various facilities throughout our campus. In today’s update, we’d like to share a little bit more about the Montreat Fund and tell you about those who support it — the Montreat Patrons… READ THE FULL ARTICLE BECOME A MONTREAT PATRON FEATURED EVENTS The Manna Retreat January 23–25, 2026 If you know someone between the ages of 22 and 32 who is longing to reconnect with the church, please tell them about The Manna Retreat, our yearly gathering for young adults. During this three-day event, participants nourish their faith as they participate in worship, small groups, and community-building activities. REGISTER NOW Discovering Renewal April 7–10, 2026 We are excited to announce that Victoria Loorz, founder of the Center for Wild Spirituality, will join us during Discovering Renewal this spring! Victoria will guide morning devotions and aid participants as they seek renewal through intentional practice. LEARN MORE Fall Craft Week September 27–October 2, 2026 Classes are quickly filling up for our 2026 Fall Craft Week! Whether you are a skilled craftsperson or a beginner, this retreat offers you a chance to hone your skills while sharing in the company of other creatives. Consider attending on your own, with a friend, or as part of a group. You won’t regret it! EXPLORE CLASS OPTIONS It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas! Montreat Conference Center staff gather early each December to decorate the Assembly Inn and other spaces around campus for the Christmas season. Here are a few pictures from this year’s Decorating Day! Explore All of Our Upcoming Events! Discover all the ways you can connect, create, and grow at Montreat Conference Center’s upcoming conferences and events. View our full event calendar using the link below. VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR One of Montreat Conference Center’s core values, “engaging grace” refers to our belief that God extends grace to each of us through Jesus Christ and that, by doing so, we are called to extend that grace and healing to all who gather here across lines of belief, difference, and perspective. You can learn more about Montreat’s mission and values by clicking here.

View email in browser Montreat Conference Center · PO Box 969 · Montreat, NC 28757-0017 · USA