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These groups originate from the International Planning Group, which brings together members from the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation, as well as from the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, ecumenical partners, and representatives from WCC member and non-member churches. While the International Planning Group meets every two months, different working groups gather regularly to ensure progress in key areas.
GETI 2025 will take place alongside the Faith and Order World Conference. The unique setting will allow participants to reflect on pressing theological issues, interact with leading ecumenical scholars and church leaders, and contribute to ongoing discussions on Christian unity, faith, and witness in today’s world.
The application process has drawn significant interest, with 130 applications received. Out of these, 95 candidates have been admitted. Among those admitted, 33 students are eligible to receive accreditation from the Faculty of Theology at the University of Geneva. The admitted students reflect a balanced gender representation, with 43 female and 52 male participants. They also represent a diverse range of regions, with 22 participants from Africa, 31 from Asia, 19 from Europe, four from Latin America and the Caribbean, 13 from the Middle East, five from North America, and one from the Pacific.
A Working Group on Curriculum and Methodology is actively designing study materials that will foster deep theological reflection and meaningful ecumenical dialogue. The curriculum will focus on key themes that resonate with contemporary challenges in theology and church life while ensuring that students gain a transformative learning experience. The selection of biblical references for each week is also underway.
A Working Group on Institutional Relations and Fundraising is working to strengthen partnerships and financial support. A Working Group on Spiritual Life is curating worship and prayer experiences that align with the weekly themes and biblical reflections. A Working Group on Contextual Immersion is designing experiences that allow students to engage meaningfully with local realities, and A Working Group on Logistics is ensuring the smooth coordination of all practical aspects.
Prof. Dr. Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, programme executive of WCC Ecumenical Theological Education and coordinator of GETI 2025, emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort.
"GETI 2025 is more than an academic program; it is a space where diverse voices come together to reflect on the future of ecumenical theology and the role of faith in a changing world.” she said. “The dedication of our working groups ensures that GETI will be a transformative and inclusive experience for all participants. The curriculum is taking shape to provide a deep and engaging learning experience, allowing students to explore theological questions in an ecumenical and intercultural setting."
A key part of the planning process is being carried out in collaboration with the Coptic Orthodox Church, which plays a significant role in shaping the program’s context and methodology. Through this partnership, GETI 2025 will provide a unique opportunity for students to engage with the rich theological and spiritual traditions of the Coptic Church, deepening their ecumenical experience. The collaboration ensures that participants will not only engage in academic discussions but also immerse themselves in the vibrant history, liturgy, and theological insights of the Coptic Orthodox tradition.
Reflecting on the connection between GETI and the Faith and Order movement, Drissi added: "GETI 2025 stands at the crossroads of theological education and ecumenical dialogue, embodying the core mission of Faith and Order. As we prepare for this journey alongside the Faith and Order Six World Conference, we are reminded that theological formation is not separate from the unity we seek - it is at its heart. Through study, worship, and shared engagement, GETI participants will deepen their understanding of what it means to be church together in today’s world.”
