WCC news: Ecumenical Institute brings emerging theologians together across North America–Turtle Island

The North America–Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI) is currently bringing together 20 emerging theologians and ecumenical leaders from Canada and the United States for two weeks of intensive learning, prayer, encounter, and community life. Photo: Amanda Dowd/NCCCUSA 14 August 2026 Taking place from 3-16 August under the theme “Where Now for Visible Justice?” the institute began with a residential week in Detroit, United States of America; followed by a second week at the University of Toronto, Canada. NATI-RETI is jointly organized by the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCCUSA), with accompaniment from the World Council of Churches (WCC). It draws inspiration from the WCC Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) and adapts its immersive model to the realities of North America–Turtle Island. "This collaborative effort has reignited my hope in ecumenism and in significant ways re-energized my own commitment to this important work," said Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland, Senior Associate General Secretary & Advocacy Director at NCCCUSA.  "Working together has strengthened the partnership between NCCUSA and CCC and helped us to understand each other's cultures and history better, deepened the visible unity of churches across North America-Turtle Island, and resulted in lasting and meaningful relationships that will encourage future connections. It has been such an incredible learning and growth experience - one that I will always treasure," she added.  For Pastor Peter Noteboom, CCC Acting General Secretary, “Where Now for Visible Justice?” is a perennial question in the ecumenical movement. "This regional ecumenical theological institute offers us a special opportunity to respond to that question together in the United States and Canada. We are grateful for the World Council of Churches’ accompaniment on the journey," he said. From left: Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland, Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, and Pastor Peter Noteboom. Photo: Personal archive Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Theological Education and coordinator of GETI 2025, said it is deeply inspiring to see how the GETI 2025 vision continues to take root and inspire initiatives in different regions. “NATI-RETI offers a strong example of how the GETI model can be adapted to a specific regional context through the collaboration and shared ownership of churches and ecumenical partners. It shows that ecumenical formation becomes truly meaningful when it responds to local realities while remaining connected to the worldwide ecumenical movement.” The curriculum is structured around six interconnected pillars: solidarity with Indigenous communities, racism and anti-racism, secularism and laicity, wealth disparity and poverty, climate justice, and interfaith dialogue. Participants engage these themes through an integrated methodology combining intellectual study, spiritual formation, and contextual immersion. The cross-border character of the institute creates space for participants to compare different national, ecclesial, cultural, and social realities while reflecting together on the churches’ common witness.  Photo gallery NATI-RETI 2026 NATI-RETI curriculum and methodology North America theological institute ready for opening day (WCC news release, 24 July 2026) "Where now for visible justice?” Behind the scenes designing NATI-RETI (WCC interview, 11 May 2026) 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