Twenty-eight of them received the 2024-2025 Certificate of Advanced Studies and the Complementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studies. Another four will conclude their Masters of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies in June. Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, WCC moderator, greeted the graduates as “WCC ambassadors into the world.” “Simply live the love of Christ, which moves you and which moves the world to reconciliation and unity,” he said. “Just live this love and you will be an inspiration for many. We need you in this world in turmoil to be salt of the earth and light of the world as Jesus called you, has called us, to be.” Winnie Nanjala, from the Kenya Christian Reformed Church, spoke on behalf of the students. “This Bossey experience has proven to be a necessity to our personal and professional growth. It is now up to us to choose what we make of our experience and what we carry home,” she said. “Experiences and encounters are not random occurrences; they are gracious gifts from God. The question is what will you do with your gracious gift?” Rev. Prof. Dr Benjamin Simon, dean of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and director of the WCC Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation, underlined the transformative aspect that living together brought to the students. “You had to constantly expose yourselves to the looks, the comments, and the discussions of and with your colleagues. It wasn't just in class that you had to listen to the many different opinions and take a stand, but it continued over meals, in the library, and during walks outside,” said Simon. “In addition to all the many topics you have discussed here with your teachers, but also among your colleagues, I hope that you will have learnt one attitude in particular: modesty. Ecumenism is not to push through your position and opinion. Ecumenism is not to silence others. Ecumenism is first and foremost to live humility,” he added. Prof. Dr Christophe Chalamet, vice-dean of the Autonomous Faculty of Protestant Theology at the University of Geneva, presented the students with their credentials after a prayer ceremony in the chapel. “For us, it is very important to have this partnership with Bossey. That helps us not to be completely stuck in our regional theological work. Each of you represent a window into other cultures, other ways to be Christian,” he said. “Today we gathered to celebrate the culmination of your journey here at Bossey. This moment is not just about completing a program, is about stepping forward as ambassadors of justice, reconciliation and unity in a world yearning for hope”, said Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC programme director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation, as she closed the ceremony. “The world you are stepping into is fractured by division. Yet, it is also filled with opportunities for healing and transformation. As Bossey graduates, you are uniquely equipped to confront these challenges with faith and courage. Carry with you the spirit of the WCC 11th Assembly’s message: to walk together, to pray together, and to work together for the renewal of the work. Let the love of Christ be the compass that guides your actions and the foundation upon which you stand as serve communities, churches, and global family”, concluded Nalwamba. Photo gallery In study visit to Rome, Bossey students immersed in history and theology (WCC news release, 24 January 2025) In Rome, Bossey students share common Christian witness (WCC news release, 22 January 2025) Christian Unity week: Believers 'brought together by faith in the triune God' (Vatican News, 21 January 2025) The Ecumenical Institute Bossey Tour the Bossey Ecumenical Institute online—with 360-degree views | 
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