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
CTE Enabling Group celebrates young ecumenists
Are young voices important? Catch up with the presentations from the gathering of our national Member Churches in October 2023.
Celebrating the ‘Snelson Fund’
A report from the ‘ceremonial’ launch of The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund on 11 October 2023.
I joined the flood of Christian youth
Former Methodist Youth President, Daud Irfan, shares how he answered Pope Francis’ invitation for all young Christians to be part of Together 2023.
Together – The Gathering of the People of God
Christians from across Europe will be gathering in Rome at the invitation of Pope Francis.
The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund opens for the first time
18 to 35 year olds can apply now for a grant to support an ecumenical experience abroad. Closes 31 October 2023.
World Youth Day “Wow”
Annika Mathews shares the inspirational experience of joining more than 350,000 young pilgrims in Lisbon.
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.