Anticipated Start Date: June 14, 2025
Description
Pilgrim | June 14 – 26, 2025 | Young Adults (ages 18-30)
The United Church of Canada is encouraging young people to apply to serve as an Ecumenical Steward with the Stewards Programme for the 2025 Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, to be held June 14-26, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Stewards Programme brings together a dynamic and diverse group of 20 young people from different backgrounds, churches and regions all over the world. As a diverse community, stewards bring their faith, experiences and visions to an ecumenical experience of togetherness and friendship. They arrive in Johannesburg a few days prior to the Central Committee Meeting proper to learn about the ecumenical movement.
At the Central Committee meeting, the main tasks to be carried out are: floor management, documentation, communications, interpretation, worship and other tasks such as general administration, sorting mail, delivering messages, The work to be done is often exhausting, intense and under pressure of short deadlines.
English is the working language of the programme, and patience, ability to work with people from other countries and cultures, as well as a willingness to work together as a team, are key.
The costs of the in-country program will be covered by The World Council of Churches. Young Adults who express interest initially through The United Church of Canada using this two step process. become eligible for flight and travel insurance to be covered by The United Church of Canada upon approval.
APPLICANT PROFILE
- Young adult ages 18 –30
- Have a demonstrated commitment to, and active engagement in, The United Church of Canada (locally, regionally and/or nationally
- Ready and eager to work hard, be patient, work well with a team of people from other countries and cultures in an intense and sometimes exhausting role
- Willingness to speak to United Church groups about this ecumenical global experience and its impact on their faith journey
- Have a valid passport that does not expire before end of November 2025
(if you are interested but don’t have it yet, please let us know so we can assist)
As the full team, the World Council of Churches desires to select a group of dynamic and diverse young people from different backgrounds, churches and regions from all over the world.
OUTCOMES
- Written piece (about 400 words) summarizing the experience, with 5 hi-res pictures and/or alternate communications to share the experience as developed with PIP staff
- Four speaking engagements to UCC communities of faith or ecumenical gatherings about the experience. People in Partnership will include you on their posted Speakers List.
- Ongoing engagement in ecumenical collaboration
To Apply
Application is a two step process.
1st Step: Apply for recommendation from The United Church of Canada (General Council Office). Deadline: November 14, 2024. Apply directly to
In one email please send:
1. Completed WCC Application – Download here.
2. Recent curriculum vitae/resume
3. Letter of recommendation from your Church and/or name of General Council Office staff person who can serve as a reference. The letter of recommendation should speak to your involvement and commitment in the church, gifts you bring, ecumenical experience and also include a commitment of the church and plan of action to support you and your growth after the programme.
Upon review, letters of recommendation from The General Council Office of The United Church of Canada will be prepared. Letters will be sent to approved applicants.
2nd Step: Apply to World Council of Churches for Stewards programme
Deadline: November 30, 2024 Apply directly to youth@wcc-coe.org.
Then, in one email, please send:
1. Completed WCC Application (above)
2. Recent curriculum vitae/resume
3. Letter of Recommendation from The United Church of Canada (1st step)
4. Letter of Recommendation from your ecumenical body (an ecumenical group – local, regional or national – with which you have been involved)
5. A photocopy of passport or identity card.
Early applications are encouraged to allow more time for processing.
If you have any questions, please contact pip@united-church.ca or youth@wcc-coe.org
The United Church is committed to equity, diversity, justice, and to creating a positive and supportive environment for people of all identities and backgrounds. ALL qualified people are encouraged to apply!