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
Uniting young believers
Courtney-Ann Dennis from the Church of God of Prophecy reflects on a gathering of young Christians from across CTE’s Member Churches.
How do I apply for a CTE Young Ecumenists travel grant?
Find out at a special Snelson Fund ‘Be inspired’ webinar on Monday 5 October 2026. Hear travel tales from previous awardees and get top tips on your application.
SCM Bonhoeffer European Pilgrimage 2026
Student Christian Movement’s Faith in Action Project Worker 2025/26, Catherine Whitehouse, shares her experience of the pilgrimage.
Next round of Snelson Fund grants awarded
The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund is will enable recipients to visit Africa and Europe with this ’round’ of grants.
URC Youth seek ‘unity for the common good’
United Reformed Church Communications Officer Laurence Wareing reports from the 2026 gathering of the church’s annual Youth Assembly.
Bringing the Bible to life
Dolly Bamigbade, a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, received a grant from The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund to go on a pilgrimage to the seven churches in the book of Revelation.
Find out more about the Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund which opens for applications again in the Autumn.
Main photo credit: RC Diocese of East Anglia at World Youth Day 2023.