‘A good place to study’ As the semester begins, the Ecumenical Institute offers a weeklong orientation programme for the students to find their footing in a new learning environment. Activities include ecumenical prayers, sharing meals, and attending introductory lectures together, but also engagement with the local communities in the area, and on 12 September, the students have been invited attend a welcoming Sunday service at the Reformed Church Terre Sainte-Céligny. Arnold Swai, a student from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, explains as background to his coming to Bossey, that his first encounter with the World Council of Churches was through attending the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism that was held in Arusha, Tanzania in 2018. “I believe this will be good for my church and the life of my church,” he reflects. Peng Du from the China Christian Council agrees: “I want to learn something about the ecumenical movement. I find it a very beautiful place, and I’ve found that different countries are all very friendly and I think it’s a good place to study.” Aleksandr Vozhdaev from Russia, and the Moscow Patriarchate, continues: “I decided to visit this place because it’s important for me, for my education and future—ecumenical topics are interesting for me.” “It is only my third day here, but I noticed that there are friendly people, mountains—the nature is beautiful—and tasty food!” Vozhdaev concludes. Photos from the opening of the Academic year in the Bossey Ecumenical Institute Ecumenical Institute at Bossey |
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