Which issues are most crucial to address with ecumenical dialogue in 2025? Dr Jeftić: The year 2025 presents a distinctive opportunity to advance ecumenical dialogue, and for that reason it has been designated as an “Ecumenical Year” by the WCC. What sets next year apart are several key commemorations, notably the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and the 100th anniversary of the World Conference of Life and Work in Stockholm, one of the ecumenical streams that led to the creation of the WCC in 1948. These anniversaries are more than historical markers. They invite us to relive and embody the foundational moments of Christian unity and events that have shaped the history of the ecumenical movement. It is an opportunity to reintegrate the pivotal ideals and decisions that have profoundly shaped our Christian faith and the ecumenical movement. In this context, I believe that the most crucial theme remains the pursuit of visible unity in our shared faith in Christ, the Son of God who became human. What do you hope will be the outcome of the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order at Wadi El Natrun, near Alexandria, in Egypt? Dr Jeftić: First, my hope is that the Sixth World Conference will give us an opportunity to foster a stronger, shared commitment to visible unity that transcends confessional divides. Second, I believe that this gathering offers a chance for the churches to deepen their understanding of emerging faith issues, embracing an inclusive, culturally diverse view of apostolic faith. Third, I envision that the outcomes of the conference will lead to the resources that support mission work mindful of historical contexts, emphasizing reconciliation and decolonized approaches, and including reparative practices. Fourth, we plan to produce a vision document that will capture the insights and aspirations of the conference, outlining a forward-looking strategy for the ecumenical movement in addressing today’s challenges as well as models of visible unity. Finally, I hope that the experience offered by this unique gathering will prove to be transformative, especially for young theologians and emerging ecumenists, and will equip them to lead with an enhanced commitment to ecumenism and unity in their local and regional contexts. The theme of the conference is “Where now for visible unity?” Can you give some concrete examples of how and where you wish to see the churches act in unity? Dr Jeftić: I think that unity becomes visible when we engage in common actions based on the core beliefs and values we share as Christians. By addressing the needs of our societies, countering injustices, and serving marginalized and oppressed communities, we bear witness to our unity in Christ. One of the unique opportunities provided by 2025 is the shared celebration of Christ’s resurrection on the same day. This alignment of our liturgical calendars, which occurs from time to time, is emblematic, especially given the commemorations in 2025. A common celebration was a pressing issue addressed by the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. I believe we can use this momentum to reignite and renew the search for a common date for Easter, which would be a significant sign of unity in our faith in the resurrected Christ. Finally, I believe that our theological reflection needs to further unearth and reveal the unity in faith in the Resurrected Son of God, the one we already share, and make it more visible. What do you hope will be the outcome of the August 2025 meeting in Stockholm in remembrance of the 1925 Stockholm Conference? Dr Jeftić: The 2025 Stockholm gathering offers a chance to reaffirm the foundational vision of the original 1925 conference, sometimes called the “Nicaea of ethics.” Revisiting this vision, particularly its focus on shared moral commitments and ethical witness, can inspire today’s churches to engage in more united and effective action for justice, peace, and reconciliation. How can the 1700th anniversary of the meeting in Nicaea inspire the churches today? Dr Jeftić: Nicaea was a truly unique event in Christian history. Whether an awareness of Nicaea is present in our daily church life or not, and whether we use the creed or not, Nicaea has profoundly defined our faith in the Triune God and the incarnate Son of God. In an essential way, this faith was modeled at Nicaea. Second, this event embodied the oneness of the church, inspiring us to reflect on our calling to manifest the one body of Christ in the world. Third, it invites us to revisit how we approach discernment and decision-making as a fellowship of churches, reminding us of the importance of conciliarity. Finally, the original Greek word for council/synod, “synodoi,” denotes those who are on the journey together. Remembering that we are on the same journey, which the WCC calls a Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, can inspire us to rethink our relationships and commitments. Fellow sojourners need each other if they are to reach their destination. Which challenges do you see in the dialogue based on the meeting in Nicaea—and which possibilities? Dr Jeftić: The term Nicaea doesn’t resonate equally with all Christian traditions. The Nicene, or rather Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, which was developed by the Council of Nicaea and further revised at the Council of Constantinople, is foundational for many, but is not universally affirmed or utilized across all Christian traditions. That is something that presents a challenge in ecumenical discussions. However, this variance also opens up possibilities to delve deeper into the theological meaning of the council and the faith explicated in the Creed, inviting churches to explore and perhaps consider once again shared affirmations of faith. Engaging in dialogue on the significance of Nicaea can be a stepping stone toward a fuller expression of unity. From a WCC perspective, where are the biggest challenges and barriers for unity between the churches? Dr Jeftić: First, the challenge lies in the fact that churches enter the ecumenical space with diverse expectations, models, and understandings of the unity they seek. Second, churches and church families also struggle more and more with deep internal divisions, which impact their ability to engage effectively with others. Third, the root causes of the divisions within and between the churches run deep within the institutional structures, understandings of faith, politics, cultures, and histories of our communities. Transforming some of these is not easy and requires patience and time. Further, in some respects, we may be hindered by our own success. The ecumenical journey has seen significant achievements on many levels, and while we benefit from these gains, they can sometimes prevent us from fully recognizing and focusing on the path still ahead in our search for deeper and fuller unity. There are potential plans for a meeting between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in Nicaea in 2025. What significance do you attach to this meeting? Dr Jeftić: I think this meeting holds immense symbolic importance. As representatives of two major Christian traditions, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Pope Francis meeting in Nicaea would be a visible testament to the commitment of both traditions to dialogue and unity in faith in the incarnated Son of God. Such a meeting would serve as a powerful symbol of hope. I very much look forward to it and hope to see it happen. Do you think it is realistic that the churches will find a common date for celebrating Easter and Pentecost not only in 2025 but also in future years? Dr Jeftić: Being sceptical often feels like a safe and secure option. However, I choose to be optimistic about this possibility, believing we may well witness this significant step toward unity in the coming years.
Learn more about the conference "Towards Nicaea 2025: Exploring the Council’s Ecumenical Significance Today" | 
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