Co-organiser of the event, Fr Andreas Minic, Secretary for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, describes the evening…
On Thursday, 1 May 2025, the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain hosted the first-ever gathering of young ecumenical leaders convened by Churches Together in England (CTE). This landmark event was held under the inspiration and blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas and was co-sponsored by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. This pioneering initiative brought together young leaders from more than 20 different Christian churches.
The gathering commenced in the garden of Thyateira House, where participants were warmly welcomed by the Principal Officer for Pentecostal, Charismatic and Multi-cultural Relations at CTE, Min Shermara Fletcher-Hoyte. She highlighted the importance of dialogue and the unique contribution of young people to the ecumenical movement.
I then conveyed the heartfelt blessings and inspiration of Archbishop Nikitas, whose vision was the driving force behind this initiative. I shared the Archdiocese’s commitment to fostering a new generation of ecumenical leaders, grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and Christian unity.
Representing the Orthodox tradition was Fr Christian Akselberg, Oikonomos and Parish Priest of St Andrew’s Orthodox Church, Kentish Town. Drawing on his extensive pastoral experience, particularly in youth ministry, Fr Christian reflected on the importance of nurturing spiritual formation and unity among young Christians from diverse backgrounds.
CTE General Secretary Bishop Mike Royal delivered a powerful address, sharing his vision for inclusive and dynamic ecumenical engagement. He underscored the significance of empowering young voices within the broader mission of the CTE and highlighted the essential role that the young play in shaping the future of the ecumenical movement.
Following the welcome addresses, the participants engaged in various interactive and team-building activities. Highlights included a session of “speed ecumenism”, designed to encourage brief theological exchanges and to help introduce the guests to each other.
A rich buffet featuring Greek specialities was served, providing an opportunity for informal conversations, friendship-building, and the exchange of ideas in a spirit of hospitality and joy. Adding to the festive ambience, a talented band of young musicians from the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Nicholas in Shepherd’s Bush performed live music throughout the buffet. Their lively repertoire blended contemporary British and popular Greek music. The evening concluded with a brief prayer service, uniting the group in spiritual reflection and thanksgiving for the day’s blessings.
This event marked an important step forward in engaging and empowering young ecumenists to be ambassadors of unity, dialogue, and peace in an increasingly pluralistic society.
‘Unity and anticipation’
Alexandra Webb from the Beverley Community Church represented the Ground Level Network at this gathering. She reflects on her experience…
I had the pleasure of joining CTE for a gathering of young adults in May 2025, and within minutes, it felt like an extended family reuniting.
We met in London as young people from many Christian traditions, each with different roles within our own communities. Some of us held formal or ordained titles, whereas others—like myself—were simply willing volunteers from our home churches, curious to see what was going on. Naturally, as with any church gathering, we ate together, enjoying conversations and music.
As an icebreaker, we participated in “speed ecumenism,” where each of us had a few moments with another person to discuss their faith background and experience of ecumenism. Two things stood out to me most about this exercise: first, the varying degrees to which some of us were aware of each other’s traditions, and second, the genuine and meaningful interest everyone showed in each other’s beliefs. Despite our differences, there was a strong sense of unity and anticipation throughout the evening.
I was inspired by my companions, learning from their roots and faiths. While our different practices can seem unfamiliar to one another, I felt an empathetic curiosity, particularly focused on our shared values. Conversation flowed and led in various directions—including at least one departure into the finer parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe! We met as representatives of our respective traditions, but more importantly, as new friends.
Spaces like these are vital. In a world that thrives so much on division and discord, it is crucial that we work together. While we may prefer our own traditions and disagree on certain theological points, we are all united in our identity as followers of Jesus Christ. As young people, we must learn from each other before we become set in our ways. It is a blessing to be welcomed and challenged by such a loving family.
Finally, a matter that particularly resonated with me was the recognition that more young people are coming to faith. There is hope in Jesus Christ, and young people across the UK are finding Him. We must encourage one another and be encouraged by what we see. Please pray for our young people in the UK and for what CTE is doing to nurture this movement.
Read more about CTE’s work alongside Young Ecumenists.
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