The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting students of theology and young theologians from all over the world to bring new perspectives and contributions to the debate about the future of the ecumenical movement by participating in an essay competition to mark the WCC’s 60th anniversary in 2008. Participants in the contest, both clergy and laypersons, are invited to address the theme “Making a difference together – prospects for ecumenism in the 21st century”. The Council – says a press release – expects to receive a significant number of quality essays reflecting on the theme from different church traditions, contexts and perspectives. The best six essays will be presented by their authors at an international consultation of the same theme to be held at Bossey in Switzerland in late 2008″. “There can be nothing better than fresh eyes when it comes to looking to the future”, says WCC general secretary Dr. Samuel Kobia, commenting on the contest. With a length of between 5000 and 6000 words, the essays should be presented by 28 February 2008. Though the essays should be written in English, “they will be judged for the quality of their contribution and not – says the WCC – for their English language proficiency. Info: www.oikoumene.org.
