WCC NEWS: Emma Van Dorp reflects on how young people will be involved in 2025 commemorations

Emma Van Dorp, from the Confederation of Switzerland, Eglise Protestante de Genève, is a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Young People in the Ecumenical Movement. Emma Van Dorp. Photo: Mark Anthony N. Cuyos 04 March 2025 As a young person in the Theology and Spiritual Life Working Group, how do you see youth shaping the spiritual and theological conversations within the ecumenical movement this year? Van Dorp: This year is very special for the ecumenical movement. It is a year of celebrations as we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and the 100th anniversary of the Life and Work Conference in Stockholm. With these events, we focus on the church’s history. But why should young people be involved on historical matters? We often hear that youth are part of the future; nevertheless, now is the year to show that we are, first of all, part of the present. Young people can shape the conversations by participating in these anniversaries locally and globally. I believe many young people who are engaged in the ecumenical movement can propose local activities, such as a conference on these two historical events. or use the Nicene Creed in their liturgies. Globally, they can participate in the WCC’s webinars, the Ecumenical International Youth Day, the 6th Faith and Order World Conference, and many other events to show that we, the young people, can address matters of the past and make them relevant for today. What role do you think young people can play in the 6th World Conference of Faith and Order key celebrations, and how can they bring fresh perspectives to these milestones? Van Dorp: Young people will be present in different groups of the conference, either as students with GETI (Global Ecumenical Theological Institute), young delegates from member churches, and youth members of the Faith and Order Commission. They are eager to learn and participate in the conference. I believe young people can play a key role in our coming world conference. As we celebrate the anniversary of an event that happened 1700 years ago, we might think that there is nothing more to say on the theological discussions that occurred. However, the presence of youth during the conference will show the opposite. They will bring fresh input on theological matters such as unity and mission today.  Young people will participate in panels, workshops, and discussions and be part of the facilitators’ team. Through their active participation, they will use their knowledge to see how the Nicene Creed is relevant for our current and future theological research. Youth commissioners engaging in activities and discussions during their first in-person meeting, Manila, Philippines, November 2024. Photo: Mark Anthony N. Cuyos What initiatives or activities are being planned by the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement Commission to engage youth in theological reflection and ecumenical dialogue this year?  Van Dorp: During this year, the commission members will help to organize online workshops planned with the youth desk, during the Ecumenical International Youth Day and will write blog posts on the joint Easter celebration. In each of these initiatives, the commission members will engage with other young people to ensure that a diversity of young voices is heard in the ecumenical movement.  What are some of the challenges young people face in getting involved in ecumenical work, and how can churches and ecumenical bodies better support and empower youth leadership especially this year? Van Dorp: I believe that one main challenge in ecumenical work is making sure that young voices are heard. We, as young people, also have knowledge and experience in church life and theology. We are eager to work with every generation on our mission for church unity. We are encouraged by the strong response from young people eager to engage in ecumenical work. To continue supporting their involvement, I encourage member churches and ecumenical bodies to propose and recommend young people as delegates for this year’s ecumenical events, including the Faith and Order Conference, and various local ecumenical gatherings. Young people in the ecumenical movement Learn more about 2025 – An Ecumenical Year on the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity 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 352 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