Interview
What first brought you to the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey?
Rev. Dr Laine: I first learned about Bossey through a training programme for young people organized by the Finnish Ecumenical Council. After completing my Master of Theology degree at the University of Helsinki, I wanted to continue my studies in an international and ecumenical setting. That led me to pursue the Master of Ecumenical Studies degree at Bossey during the academic year 2004–2005.
Looking back, what did your time at Bossey mean for you, personally and professionally?
Rev. Dr Laine: My time at Bossey was a transformational experience. I consider it the first step on the path that eventually led to my current position as head of Church and Ecumenical Relations at Finn Church Aid, one of the specialized ministries that collaborates with the World Council of Churches.
What makes Bossey such a distinctive place for theological and ecumenical formation?
Rev. Dr Laine: The unique feature of Bossey is the combination of academic studies and lived religion. It is one thing to learn about the characteristics of different Christian denominations, but it is quite another to share your everyday life with people representing those denominations.
Living and studying together was a great learning experience. It also helped me realize that there is a variety of emphases and perspectives even within one’s own denomination. Bossey therefore offers not only an academic understanding of ecumenism, but an opportunity to experience it in everyday life.
When you think back to Bossey, what or who do you remember most?
Rev. Dr Laine: To me, Bossey is first and foremost about people – fellow students, professors, and other members of staff.
I would especially like to mention two people: Ms Maria Dängeli, who worked on the hospitality team, and Ms Anu Talvivaara, who was responsible for faculty administration. They did a tremendous job, both in preparing for our arrival at Bossey and in supporting us throughout our time there. Their work was an important part of the experience.
During your studies, you also had an opportunity to participate in a global ecumenical gathering. What was that experience like?
Rev. Dr Laine: While studying at Bossey, I was fortunate to attend a meeting of the Commission on Faith and Order as a younger theologian. It was a remarkable experience for a student to be part of a global ecumenical gathering and to be included in its discussions.
It gave me an opportunity to see the ecumenical movement beyond the classroom and to experience how theological dialogue takes place at the global level.
How has your experience at Bossey continued to influence your work today?
Rev. Dr Laine: My time at Bossey has remained an important reference point throughout my professional journey. The experience of bringing together academic learning, different Christian traditions, and people from diverse contexts has continued to shape my understanding of ecumenical relations.
In many ways, the experience prepared me for the work I am doing today in Church and Ecumenical Relations at Finn Church Aid.
What would you say to someone considering studying at Bossey today?
Rev. Dr Laine: Ever since my time at Bossey, I have been an ardent advocate of the Ecumenical Institute. I would highly recommend studying there to anyone who wants to deepen their theological understanding while experiencing the richness of the worldwide Christian community.
Bossey is not only a place where you study ecumenism. It is a place where you live it.
The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Do you have a memory to share? You can help preserve the spirit of this unique community and connect generations of people who have found a place of welcome, learning, and fellowship there. Share your story, photographs, reflections, or special memories—and help keep the Bossey experience alive for all who have been part of it, and for those who will come after.
Email: [email protected]
WCC special webpage: Bossey 80th anniversary
Learn more about the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey
Bossey alum reflects on special years of living and learning (WCC interview, 18 August 2026)
Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley: “Bossey experience a gift and opportunity” (WCC interview, 1 September 2026)
