WCC NEWS: Youth gathering will illuminate a special space in days before WCC 11th Assembly

An Ecumenical Youth Gathering on 27-30 August will convene a circle of young agents of change for the ecumenical movement’s present and future just days before the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany.  The Ecumenical Youth Gathering will comprise three tracks: one especially for young delegates to the WCC 11th Assembly, one for stewards, and one for representatives of WCC member churches and ecumenical partners. Through a Pilgrim Walk, youth participants explore what it means to be on a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. Netherlands, 2018.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 10 March 2022 A combination of in-depth discussions, and an overview of WCC assembly roles and responsibilities, the Ecumenical Youth Gathering is founded on the realization that the long-term viability of the ecumenical movement depends largely on the WCC and its member churches’ ability to draw and engage the young generation in ecumenical work. “The Ecumenical Youth Gathering will be an exciting opportunity to meet and network with international and local youth,” said Nirmala Gurung, a youth representative at World Young Women's Christian Association. Olivia Baro, ecumenical youth enabler for the Pacific Conference of Churches, said: “The Ecumenical Youth Gathering will be a platform that allows young people to have their voices heard as well as engage with faith leaders to ensure the outcome of the assembly highlights and addresses our concerns.” Larissa Aguiar Garcia, of the Methodist Church in Brazil and a member of the WCC ECHOS Youth Commission added that "the gathering will open space for young people to exchange knowledge, experiences and stories of our backgrounds—from our regions, faith expressions and work done.” Joy Eva Bohol, WCC programme executive for youth engagement in the ecumenical movement, explained that the Ecumenical Youth Gathering stands on the shoulders of youth gatherings throughout WCC history. “The culmination of the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2022, led by and with the Indigenous Peoples youth network, will also be held in the Ecumenical Youth Gathering, inviting young people both in-person and online to participate in the discussion and envisioning the future of the ecumenical movement together. An online engagement of young people from all over the world is planned to include more diverse voices in the event.”   Get excited with the young people through this video  Visit the EYG Landing page WCC work with youth  Learn more about the WCC 11th assembly  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 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland