WCC interview: At Château de Bossey, “Come together, think differently, leave inspired”

Audrey Jung is the news sales and marketing lead for Château de Bossey. She took time to share what drew her to her new role, her vision for the Bossey Hotel and Conference Centre, and even one of her own favorite spots.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 12 October 2026 What drew you to take on this important role? Jung: After more than 20 years in the luxury hospitality industry in Paris and Geneva, I felt ready for a new chapter, one where I could bring greater purpose to my professional journey. At Château de Bossey, I saw an opportunity to put my experience in hospitality, sales, and marketing to work in a different environment, one with a strong heritage and a meaningful identity. Contributing, in my own way, to preserving this place by helping develop its activity was particularly appealing to me. From a sales and marketing perspective, there is also a very stimulating challenge ahead: increasing Bossey’s visibility, strengthening its brand identity, improving its digital presence, reaching new audiences, and developing offers that respond to their needs. What makes this challenge particularly interesting is Bossey’s unique DNA. Being home to the Ecumenical Institute is an essential part of its identity and gives the Château a legacy of dialogue, learning, and encounter. The opportunity is to build on that heritage while making Bossey better known today as a Hotel and Conference Centre. There is also a much more personal reason. I was genuinely struck by Bossey the first time I came here. Beyond the beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the mountains, there is a sense of space and tranquillity that is difficult to describe until you experience it. It is a place where you can step away from the pace of everyday life, reflect, recharge, and reconnect, with yourself and with others. That combination of heritage, simplicity, and authenticity is what makes Bossey so distinctive, a place with a real soul. Part of my mission is to bring that identity to life, help people understand what makes this place special, and inspire them to discover it for themselves. What is your vision for the Bossey Hotel and Conference Centre? Jung: Our vision is for Bossey to be recognised as a destination in its own right: a place to stay, meet, connect, and celebrate, rooted in a rich heritage and a story that has been unfolding here for generations. Its history gives this positioning real meaning. Dialogue and encounter have been part of Bossey’s identity for decades, and that spirit remains very relevant today. The more than 900-year-old chapel, the historic buildings, the park, the terrace, and the panoramic views all contribute to Bossey’s strong sense of place. This heritage, together with the natural surroundings and longstanding tradition of dialogue, is not simply a backdrop. They shape the way people experience the Château, creating a sense of openness that encourages them to take a deep breath, connect, exchange ideas, and see things differently. Our heritage is a wonderful foundation, but it also needs to remain alive and relevant to today’s guests. This means continuing to develop what we offer, whether for companies, international organisations, groups, families, celebrations, or individual travellers. Food and hospitality have an important role to play in this. They create opportunities for shared moments, from a business lunch or a year-end celebration to more informal experiences such as afternoon tea on an autumn day. The setting naturally takes people out of their usual environment and creates space for conversation, creativity, and new ideas. This can be particularly valuable for meetings, seminars, and team-building activities, where a change of setting can help create a different dynamic. If I had to express the Bossey experience as a meeting place in just a few words, I would say: “Come together. Think differently. Leave inspired.” We are also a relatively small team, which allows us to be flexible and responsive. There is a genuine human quality to the service here. For me, this combination of place, people and purpose is at the heart of the Bossey experience and an important part of what makes people want to return. Why should people follow Château de Bossey on social media channels? Jung: Social media gives us a wonderful opportunity to open a window onto Bossey and share what the place is really like today. As we work to increase Château de Bossey’s visibility, these channels allow us to reach people naturally, across generations and borders, and to show the many different sides of Bossey rather than simply describe them. Above all, we want our content to inspire, to capture the spirit of the place, spark curiosity, and give people a reason to discover more. So, I would say: “don’t spend too much time on social media but do take a moment to follow us! Think of it as a little invitation to escape, wherever you are.” We want to take our followers through the seasons, behind the scenes, and into the stories that have shaped Bossey. We will introduce the people who bring the Château to life every day, from the kitchen and restaurant teams to those preparing our rooms and meeting spaces. We will also explore the surrounding region and share ideas and activities that can enrich a stay here. Most importantly, we want people to be able to imagine themselves at Bossey for a peaceful weekend, a business meeting, a family gathering, or a special celebration. Ultimately, our social media channels are another way of sharing the spirit of Bossey and inviting people to become part of its story. What are some new or longstanding aspects or events you’d like to highlight? Perhaps the delicious food? Jung: One of Bossey’s great strengths is its versatility. The same place can welcome a conference for more than 100 participants, a wedding in the gardens, a graduation ceremony with more than 500 guests, a company celebration, or a relaxed family gathering—and each occasion takes on its own character. What remains consistent is the setting and the human approach of the team. Our role is to understand why people are coming together and to help create the right atmosphere for that moment. Food is naturally part of this experience because it creates moments of conviviality and connection. Our restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with a focus on seasonal and locally inspired cuisine. Going forward, our food and beverage offering will continue to evolve as part of Bossey’s development. We want to make it clearer and more attractive, not only to our resident guests and groups but also to the local community, with seasonal experiences and special occasions throughout the year. Whether people join us for a meal, a meeting, a celebration, or a longer stay, we want the experience to feel welcoming, genuine and true to Bossey. What place within Château de Bossey do you choose for your own inspiration or sense of peace? Jung: I particularly love the old trees in the park. There is something very grounding about them. Their scale and beauty naturally command respect: they were here long before us and, I like to think, will remain long after us. One of my favourite places is in the shade of the chestnut trees, looking back towards the Château. From there, you are slightly removed from everything, yet you can still observe the life of the Château in the distance and enjoy the panoramic views towards the lake and the Alps. It is a very peaceful spot. Spending a few moments there helps me recharge, step back, and return with a clearer mind. Château de Bossey Hotel and Conference Centre Special WCC page: 80th anniversary of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey 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

WCC interview: Luzia Wehrle, from the Focolare community, reflects on her 40-year journey at the WCC

Luzia Wehrle served at the World Council of Churches (WCC) for four decades. She reflects on how she came to work at the WCC in 1969 at the age of 23; the visits of Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement; and why she believes nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Photo: Valter Muniz/WCC 1 September 2026 How did you come to work at the WCC? Wehrle: Dr Lukas Vischer, the well-known Swiss theologian, who was director at the WCC Faith and Order Commission for many years, had met Chiara Lubich in 1962 in Rome.  He returned to Geneva saying that he had found a Roman Catholic woman full of passion to give her life for a movement for unity. He spoke to his colleagues at the WCC and they decided to invite her to Geneva in 1967 to share with them this spirituality of unity.  At this meeting, in order to facilitate, to keep, and to deepen the relationship with Chiara Lubich and the Focolari Movement, they asked whether a member of the movement could work at the WCC.  That’s how I came to work at the WCC in 1969. I was full of enthusiasm to be able to contribute to the mission of WCC. I was 23 years old.  I thought that by living out this spirituality of unity, by sharing it, the dream to be one, the prayer by Jesus “that all may be one,” would be soon a reality.  I wrote this to Chiara Lubich. She replied immediately: “Slowly, slowly, Luzia, you only need to love – you have no other responsibility – Mary was not preoccupied to be active but to give space, visibility to Jesus by loving.”  This sentence took away all the pressure and accompanied me during the years I was working at the WCC.  I was not and I am still not a theologian or an ecumenist – Chiara didn’t consider this when she asked me to go to Geneva.  For her it was enough to tell me “basta amare” – all you need is to love, to love Jesus in each person. Indeed these 40 years were an immense gift and have left in my heart an indelible mark— not only from ecumenical experience gained through the many conferences throughout the world but above all the immense gift to live for the unity of the churches. It was a real privilege and somehow a continuous thanksgiving to God who, it seems to me, allowed me to experience His personal love through this very, very rich period of my life at the WCC in Geneva. What struck me deeply was to see in my colleagues the generosity to dedicate years of their lives to the ecumenical movement, among other things, by leaving their home countries together with their families, their cultural lives, their conveniences, and their careers. What an enrichment to live together with so many different cultures. When was Chiara Lubich’s next visit? Wehrle: Chiara Lubich next visited the WCC in 1982, invited by then general secretary Philip Potter, to speak to WCC staff members about her spirituality. Philip Potter coined the phrase, “You have an ecumenical lifestyle,” which since then has often been used to describe the Focolare commitment.   When a staff member at the plenary meeting asked Chiara how to live out this spirituality daily, she proposed “The Word of Life,” which is a monthly leaflet—you may know it—   containing a sentence of the Gospel with a comment, at the time by Chiara Lubich, on how to live it out.  About 120 people WCC staff had asked to receive this regularly. Sometimes people from outside asked me whether I was not influenced by the Protestant and Orthodox mentalities.  I would reply affirmatively.  Indeed they influenced me a lot and helped me to become a better Catholic, a more faithful member of my own church. They reinforced my own faith through their witnessing. I was also deeply touched also by how much they respected the practice of my Roman Catholic faith.  The Catholic Focolari community members attend daily mass. Therefore, the WCC allowed me to start working a bit later in the morning so that I could attend mass at 8 a.m.  They made similar arrangements for me whenever we travelled for conferences.  I remember a conference in Thailand. Upon arrival, one of the first questions my director would ask me was where and when I could attend mass. The time of the meeting with the steering committee was then fixed, taking into consideration my time schedule.  When I returned from church, my director asked me how the worship was, and what the Scripture readings were. I had to tell him frankly that I couldn’t remember the readings. I can assure you that from that day onwards I have been much more attentively listening to the Word of God!  What were some other moving moments for you? Wehrle: Another small happening:  My director had an important appointment with the general secretary.  A few minutes before, this director came to my office and asked me to ask the cleaning lady to come to his office because he had just met her while she was crying. As he didn’t speak French, he asked me to accompany her to his office. He wanted to see if he could help. I reminded him of his appointment but he asked me to call the general secretary’s assistant to postpone his appointment.  I replied that I thought that this would be difficult, and that he could see the cleaning lady after his meeting with the general secretary.  However, he insisted and he had a one-hour talk with the cleaning lady and he helped her solve her problem.  Very often, this experience helped me in various situations in my own life.     Surely the many WCC assemblies were a unique experience, especially during the prayers. The joy of celebrating the presence of God who unites us all was and remains a tangible unforgettable event which strengthens my own faith.   Even though sometimes during a conference there were different opinions which may sometimes have provoked tensions, praying together helped keep the presence of Jesus among us, and healed these wounds so that solutions could be found.  Maybe one of the sad moments was when one of our colleagues passed away in a very tragic manner but, again, to be able to experience the ecumenical family helped and allowed us to heal the wound in many of us. When was Chiara Lubich’s third visit?  Wehrle: I was deeply impressed by the preparation for Chiara Lubich’s third visit to the Ecumenical Centre in 2002. The visit was very carefully and efficiently prepared. For one year, senior WCC staff members organized monthly meetings with members of the local Protestant Church and with members of the Focolari Movement in Switzerland. Also to prepare for this event, acting as an interpreter, I accompanied Dr Raiser, then the general secretary, for a visit to Chiara Lubich, who was on holiday in the Valais (part of Switzerland) to discuss the programme. I was deeply impressed by Chiara’s attentiveness towards Konrad Raiser, by her interest in the WCC, and the esteem she attached to the work of this organization. She also spoke about Jesus the Crucified and Forsaken as the key to achieve unity.  She then asked Konrad Raiser which of the two topics he would like her to address, “A spirituality of unity” or “Unity and Jesus Crucified and Forsaken, foundation of a spirituality of communion.”  I remember that Konrad Raiser didn’t hesitate a minute to choose the second one. At the end of this visit, Konrad Raiser and Chiara Lubich edited and signed a joint reflection, entitled “Spirituality of Unity,” that emphasized the renewed hope for our common ecumenical journey. The numerous meetings and contacts between the WCC and the Focolare Movement led to an increasing desire for more cooperation: mutual participation in conferences (in Rome, in Geneva, or elsewhere) and in different areas such as the field of spirituality, theology, economics, international relations, education, justice and peace, and youth. The WCC was also involved in a project, “Together for Europe.”  The Focolari musical art group “Gen Rosso” was invited to perform as part of the “Decade to Overcome Violence,” which took place in the Caribbean in 2009. One of the highlights during these 40 years happened to me at the end of January 2008 – a few weeks before Chiara Lubich’s passing away. Once again, acting as an interpreter, I accompanied Dr Sam Kobia, the WCC general secretary at that time, who, together with Yorgo Lemopoulos, and Martin Robra, paid a visit to Chiara’s home in Rome.  They wanted to thank her for all that she had done to promote unity, not only for the churches, but the whole of humanity built above all on Jesus Crucified. They also wanted to encourage Chiara to carry on. That visit was a unique moment of joy, of deep communion. On her death, Samuel Kobia paid tribute to her by saying, “Our love for Chiara and immense gratitude for the gift of God she has been to the ecumenical movement will continue to motivate and inspire us in our work of the visible unity of the Church.” What do you continue to hope for the ecumenical movement?  Wehrle: I am very optimistic about the ecumenical movement also because during my 40 years of work at the WCC – attending many conferences throughout the world – I realized what Christian unity means: to build up personal relationships which do not separate us but which promote the interest in the diversity of the many Christian denominations and which enrich us reciprocally.  Also, when there were tension, sometimes serious tensions – we spoke to each other – listened to each other, strengthening the faith into visible unity and very often opening new doors through which the light of God was tangible! Would you like to share one more memory?  Wehrle: I remember my farewell party.  When I looked at the people who were present, I felt strongly – and I also said it aloud — that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love–because if I try to be in His love, to live it out, our relationship can only grow and will never be forgotten.  For me it was and is still that family with God’s presence among us.  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the middle of them.” (Matthew 18:20) This reality of Jesus in our midst has helped me in many situations. 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

WCC interview: Rev. Canon Dr Carlton Turner reflects on what “decolonizing” really means

Rev. Canon Dr Carlton Turner of the Church in the Province of the West Indies serves with the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education Birmingham, UK, and is a member of the World Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission. He took time to reflect on an international colloquium, "Decolonizing Ecumenical Hermeneutics,” held in June. Photo; Albin Hillert/WCC 28 July 2026 The International colloquium was organized by the Wittenberg Center for Advanced Studies, World Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Order, Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, and Faculty of Theology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. At the colloquium, Rev. Canon Dr Carlton Turner offered a keynote entitled “Decolonisation and the Inner Journey of the Church: A Caribbean Observation.”  What did you take away from the colloquium? Dr Turner: A robust conversation about what decolonization means has been going on, and what I really appreciate is that the work is continuing to be promoted. What do we need in order to have a true ecumenical dialogue about decolonization?  Dr Turner: I think in order to have a true ecumenical dialogue, we must first have enough denominational or faith-based groupings—our own internal conversations. Unless we are prepared to do that, then our ecumenical conversations won’t be deep enough. I think that’s exactly what we are doing—presenting these ideas, these challenges where, for example, Europe might get to know a context like the Caribbean, one that has a related but different history. Unless we know what’s exactly going on and what is challenging us, I don’t think we get as deeply as we can in really wrestling with the concepts and ideas. Do you have hope for change? Dr Turner: I think, because I am in these communities, I learn as much as I teach. Plus, I think I remember where I come from and the challenge we have. I’m rooted or try to be rooted in material reality or cultural context so working here in the UK, I am focusing on racial justice. I am always involved in things that need some thinking though. I just want people to continue this great work and move it around the globe so people are aware of the message, the discussions, the kinds of connections of Nicaea 2025, and how those discussions affect how we train clergy, how we do theology, and how we do theological research. That’s my hope and, with these encounters, I can support that. How does this help the next generation of theologians?  Dr Turner: We’re doing this to shape what’s to come. I’d like to make sure that we think long-term, and we think deep. We need to figure out all the ways in which our theologies are problematic, unhelpful, complex, and give our next generation tools to deal with all of our baggage. We are not innocent or neutral. I take an inward journey approach, as that’s the only way we can get disentangled from some of these things. The only way to face our problems is to turn inward and face ourselves. Young generations can have the tools, and one of the key tools is a de-colonial approach that is meant to question, challenge, and retrain basic assumptions.  International colloquium offers de-colonial lens on theology (WCC news release, 26 June 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

WCC interview: Communicators in Ukraine are “bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion”

Marianne Ejdersten, director of communication for the World Council of Churches (WCC), traveled with a WCC-led delegation to Ukraine for a solidarity visit on 14-17 July. She took time to reflect on the communications operation, on the prophetic voices that touched her heart, and what we can pray for the communicators that remain in Ukraine. From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; and Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 23 July 2026 As you headed up a communications operation from Ukraine, what were the biggest logistical challenges?  Ejdersten: Traveling in war zones is always a major challenge, depending on the location, language barriers, and culture. That’s my experience after more than 25 years of experience with field visits, this time an ecumenical solidarity visit to Ukraine with a delegation of five leaders. Attacks on Kyiv escalated just a week ahead of the visit, but we decided to go despite the increased number of missiles and drones. There were certainly practical challenges in Ukraine as well—moving the delegation safely, working around air raid alerts, adjusting travel plans at short notice, and finding reliable connectivity to monitor all four very much-needed apps for air raid alerts, local maps, shelters, and bomb maps—but what stayed with me most was the responsibility of telling people’s stories with care. Every meeting, every photograph, and every conversation carried a deep sense of responsibility. We wanted to communicate what was happening, but never at the expense of accuracy, dignity, or the safety of those who welcomed us into their lives. It was a constant balance between responding quickly and taking the time to truly listen. It's important to listen with a humble heart, as a guest staying for a short period of time in a violent environment. You realize this is the host's everyday life and reality. I joined the WCC delegation only 14 days in advance, replacing a colleague to coordinate the visit and be in charge of the planning, programme, protocol, security, and coordination with the local host. On top of that, I tried my very best to make the solidarity visit visible with support of colleagues in the WCC, with the Conference of European Churches, and locally in Kyiv. Due to the security with the delegation, we published all the material upon returning to Poland.  In the meantime, we coordinated the internal communication with WhatsApp and Signal. Which prophetic voices in Ukraine most deeply touched your heart? Ejdersten: At the core of the WCC communication is the prophetic voice, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and sharing the stories of the "living fellowship" that would otherwise remain unheard. So many voices heard in Kyiv. They were church leaders, pastors, Bossey alumni, volunteers quietly serving others each day, and people who had endured tremendous loss but still spoke about hope, faith, and reconciliation. I was deeply moved by their courage and by their refusal to allow fear or hatred to define them. Their witness reminded me that prophecy is often something that is lived out before it is spoken. WCC communication will return and work on more local and spiritual feature material. From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; and Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member. Photo: Metropolitan Gabriel. What has changed for you about the way you think about the churches and people in Ukraine? Ejdersten: I left Ukraine with heavy heart due to the war, but with a much deeper sense of admiration, respect, and connection. The churches are not standing on the sidelines—they are at the heart of their communities, offering shelter, comfort, practical support, and hope. I was also humbled by the resilience of the people we met. Even in the midst of uncertainty and loss, they welcomed us with generosity, honesty, and trust. They shared their stories with us, and that is something I will never take for granted. It reminded me that our role as communicators is not simply to report events, but to help people recognize one another’s humanity.  What can we pray for church communicators, journalists, and photographers in Ukraine and elsewhere covering war situations who are working every day to tell the truth in the face of great adversity? Ejdersten: Please pray first for their protection. Many of them work under enormous pressure and personal risk while carrying the emotional weight of the stories they tell. Pray that they will have strength for each day, wisdom to communicate with integrity, and moments of rest and renewal when they need them most. Media plays an very important role to serve as the foundational pillar of democracy by providing the public with factual information, serving as a watchdog over those in power, and acting as a public forum for diverse perspectives. And pray that they never lose sight of hope. Their work is about much more than documenting destruction. It is about bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion, and the quiet acts of faith that continue every day. My prayer is that they will know they are not alone—that the fellowship  stands with them, listens to them, and continues to pray for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in Sudan,  and elsewhere around the globe facing violence and wars. A WCC delegation made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war.  The delegation included: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. Photo gallery WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel: Ukrainian people “a unique example of resilience and unity” (WCC interview, 17 July 2026) Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine” (WCC interview, 20 July 2026) Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach: In Ukraine, “their suffering is not forgotten” (WCC interview, 21 July 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