Fresh engagement The conference is academic in nature, featuring research papers reflecting the viewpoints of their authors. The conference will be an opportunity to bring together church leaders and theologians of different traditions as well as to involve a new generation of ecumenists at a time when the world faces climate catastrophe, the threat of pandemics, war, and economic concern – challenges requiring a fresh engagement of the churches with one another on core issues of faith and mission that both unite and continue to divide them. “As we journey toward the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, we are witnessing the fruits of a global ecumenical pilgrimage shaped by years of sharing in prayer, dialogue, and collaboration,” said Dr Andrej Jeftić, director of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order. “Throughout this year, the WCC has been present in and learning from numerous academic and ecclesial gatherings—marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and deepening our shared reflection on the foundations of Christian faith.” The visit to Wadi El Natrun, and the generous partnership with the Coptic Orthodox Church, brings this pilgrimage into clearer focus, added Jeftić. “We are preparing not merely an event, but a transformative space of encounter—where the vision of visible unity can be heard, seen, and lived.” Rev. Dr Mikie Roberts, WCC programme executive for Spiritual Life, spoke of the anticipation leading up to the encounter. “There is so much excitement as the time draws nearer for the 6th World Conference,” he said. “The spiritual life team’s work is well advanced and we are looking forward to moments of praying together both with inter-confessional and confessional prayers.” A Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) held in conjunction with the conference will offer space for a new generation of younger and emerging ecumenical theologians and educators to engage with the work of Faith and Order. “GETI 2025 creates a dynamic and formative space for emerging ecumenical leaders to engage deeply with the theme of visible unity not only by reflecting on the legacy of the past but by boldly imagining the future of the church across traditions and global contexts,” said Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, coordinator of GETI. “Through rigorous study, meaningful dialogue, and shared community life, young ecumenists will discern what visible unity demands today. Their voices will not only enrich the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order but also help shape the future of ecumenical witness for generations to come.” The Sixth World Conference will be the centrepiece of the WCC’s activities to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council. This anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the affirmation of faith in the Nicene Creed, the mission of God’s triune love, and the implications this has for the common witness and service of the churches. “In the run-up to the conference. in addition to the production of a resource book, an online course on the Nicene Creed will involve those interested who are unable to attend the conference themselves,” said Rev. Dr Martin Illert, programme executive for WCC Faith and Order. “A series of monthly webinars, most of which took place in cooperation with the world communions, has already focussed attention on key topics of current ecumenical discourse, that will also play a role at the conference.” The Coptic Orthodox Church has been a member of the World Council of Churches since 1954. | 
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