WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is inviting applications for the following three programs:

  • Grant application for the 2019 Local Ecumenical and Interreligious Ministries
  • United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training: Young Adult Network Application (UMEIT: YAN)
  • Scholarship to attend The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey

Grant Application for 2019 Local Ecumenical and Interreligious Ministries

The Council of Bishops is offering three (3) grants of $1,000 each to groups within annual conferences for special projects designed to strengthen ecumenical and/or interreligious relationships. Preference will be given to groups within annual conferences elected to lead in Christian unity and interreligious relationships. Projects selected will be ecumenical and/or interreligious in both invitation and goals. The application deadline is September 14, 2018. It should be emailed to jhawxhurst@umc-cob.org.

Click here for 2019 Local Ecumenical and Interreligious Ministries application form.

United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training: Young Adult Network

In order to help United Methodists live more fully into Christian unity and deepen interreligious relationships, the COB ecumenical staff has created UMEIT: YAN (United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training: Young Adult Network).Ā  Young adults chosen will be trained in leadership skills, the history and theology of the ecumenical movement, and the connection between the UMC and Christian unity and interreligious relationships. This small group of young adults, between the ages of 25 and 34, will represent the UMC jurisdictions and central conferences and will be both lay and clergy.Ā  Those chosen must commit to two years of training, be able to travel elsewhere in the world once a year, and be willing to organize a ministry project in their home context.

Applications are due jhawxhurst@umc-cob.org no later than July 31, 2018.

Click here for UMEIT: YAN application form.

Application for Scholarship to Attend The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey

The Ecumenical Institute was founded by The World Council of Churches in Switzerland in 1946 as an ā€œecumenical laboratory,ā€ bringing together students of ecumenism from across the Christian community.Ā  The Council of Bishops is offering an annual scholarship to one student to participate in the ā€œComplementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studiesā€ (CC) through Bossey in conjunction with the University of Geneva. A total amount of $10,000 US will be sent to Bossey on behalf of the chosen student.Ā  Applicants for this scholarship must be active UMC members, between the ages of 22 and 30, preparing through an approved seminary for vocational ministry in The UMC, and be accepted by Bossey into this program.Ā  Completed applications for this scholarship must be received by the Council of Bishopsā€™ office no later than September 14, 2018.

Click here for application form for Scholarship to Attend The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.

Any questions about the three programs should be directed to Rev. Dr. Jean Hawxhurst via email at jhawxhurst@umc-cob.org.