WCC news: Ecumenism as a lived experience: GETI study visits transform faith and understanding

From 18-19 October, students attending the World Council of Churches' Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, had the opportunity to embark on study visits to the library of Alexandria, Coptic Cathedral of St Mark, Coptic Theological Seminary, Citadel of Qaitbay, Greco-Roman Museum, the pyramids at Giza in Cairo. Alberte Meier Vind from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, and Demarius Walker from The Episcopal Church (USA). Photo:Marcelo Schneider/WCC 21 October 2025 Two students, Alberte Meier Vind from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, and Demarius Walker from The Episcopal Church (USA), were among the study visit participants.  Vind shared reflections about growing up in a very secular context, in a country where religion isn’t very outspoken. “I’m studying theology and currently doing my master’s in ecumenism,” said Vind. “I’m also very involved in the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe, which takes up a great deal of my time.” Walker, who grew up Baptist, shared the journey of changing faith traditions.  “I currently serve on a committee working to bring the Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church into full communion, which has been a beautiful process to witness,” said Walker. “I’m also on my way toward the priesthood — with the Quakers in Indiana walking with me on that path.” The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural center on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, Egypt. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC For Vind, GETI has been about a lived experience.  “This encounter with other experiences, cultures, and languages has been transformative,” said Vind. “When I came here, I thought it would be just an academic program. But it’s turned out to be so much more.” GETI, added Vind, has shown that ecumenism is not just an idea. “ Christianity is a living, breathing thing, shaped through dialogue, through meeting new people, stepping out of our comfort zones, and engaging in all these discussions — around the dinner table, in classrooms, or even while walking to get coffee,” said Vind. “We learn so much about and from each other.” For Vind, the important thing isn’t that we all agree. “We’re not here to find agreement on every theological point — that would be impossible, and thank God for that!” said Vind. “Our diversity is what allows us to grow and move forward.” Some of the GETI participants at the Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC GETI students had their first contact with monastic life in the Coptic Orthodox Church — a direct line St Mark, one of the 12 disciples. On Sunday morning, they joined the Coptic liturgy led by His Imminence Bishop Abraham at the Church of the Creed, at Logos Papal Center.  Vind said that was a remarkable experience. “Encountering Orthodoxy firsthand — seeing what it truly is, understanding where it comes from, and appreciating its sense of continuity — has been deeply inspiring,” said Vind. “It’s amazing that in 2025 we can still trace a living connection from the early church fathers to today.” Walker reflected on a conversation around the table about understanding their experience with relics at St Mark’s. “I left that discussion full of energy, listening to people from Reformed, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions — all coming from very different perspectives — share how they experienced the same event,” said Walker. “When we talk like that, it’s not about debate; it’s about understanding ourselves and one another.” On Sunday 19 October, GETI participants joined the Coptic liturgy led by His Imminence Bishop Abraham at the Church of the Creed, at Logos Papal Center.  Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC Vind concluded that the key pillar of the whole GETI experience is relationships and the understanding that grow through dialogue. “We’ve realized just how diverse we are — and that’s a gift,” said Vind. “Talking with Anglicans, Reformed Christians, and Orthodox participants gives me new insights — even an ‘eagle’s view’ of my own church.” GET study group discuss many serious topics. “For some participants, issues like genocide and persecution are not abstract concepts — they’re part of their current reality,” said Vind. “Coming from a place where those things feel far away, it’s been challenging, even uncomfortable. But that’s part of the learning.” GETI students have also talked a lot about comfort zones. “Ecumenism and Christianity can only stay living and breathing if we’re willing to step out of where we feel safe,” said Vind. GETI 2025 participants at the Giza pyramids, Egypt. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC GETI 2025 photo gallery Learn more about GETI 2025 GETI opens with combination of knowledge, spiritual depth, and divine grace (WCC news release, 13 October 2025) As GETI opens, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to young people: “you are the heartbeat of Christianity” (WCC news release, 13 October 2025) Churches called to remember, resist, and rebuild: GETI plenary reflects on faith amid persecution (WCC news release, 15 October 2025) 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 356 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