Young Christian adults are a high priority for Churches Together in England. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are often the leaders of today and bring great energy to revitalise the church.
CTE follows the World Council of Churches (WCC) definition of young adults as being aged 35 and under.
“Young people, 35 years old and below, have experienced exclusion from decision-making bodies…and intergenerational differences have generated mistrust. Young people – both in church and society – have been at the forefront of social, political, economic, and environmental issues while creating their own spaces of dialogue to confront such realities.”
WCC (2021)
In a generation that resists and can be suspicious of institutionalism, it is important that young adults seek and maintain relationships beyond their denomination to strengthen their Christian witness and their Christian identity. Ecumenism is a great way to do this.
CTE is intentionally engaging with a cohort of young ecumenists. We do this through three principal strands:
- Integrating young adults into the life and decision-making processes of CTE
- The Bill Snelson Fund for Young Ecumenists, a grant programme enabling ecumenical experiences abroad
- Relationship building through our Young Ecumenists Group and offering writing opportunities for CTE publications
Recent CTE news stories about young adults and ecumenism
“Good teaching paired with good food and even better people”
Tenny Antony a fifth year seminarian for the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, went to Centro Pro Unione in Rome with help from The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund.
‘Church in a State’
Rev Joseph Nelson, a recipient of a grant from the Snelson Fund, joined the Anglican-Lutheran Society Conference in Edinburgh for his ecumenical experience abroad.
The opportunity and challenge of chaplaincy – Monday 4 November, 6 – 7.30pm
Join us for the latest webinar in the Ecumenism: The Next Generation series to hear from young chaplains from across our Member Churches.
The flourishing of the church will only grow at the speed of friendship
Isaiah Morris, a recipient of a grant from Snelson Fund visits Rome and the Vatican and discovers the power of collaboration across traditions and the beauty that can emerge from it.
Safeguarding Sunday: A commitment to safer churches – 17 November 2024
Charity Thirtyone:eight explains why whether your church can spare a few minutes or an entire service, every effort—whether a prayer, sermon or short film—matters
Apply now for unforgettable and life-changing experiences
The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund is now open for grant applications from Christians aged 18 to 35. Apply before 31 October.
Find out more about the Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund which opens for applications in September 2023.
Main photo credit: RC Diocese of East Anglia at World Youth Day 2023.