NWCT encourages young and female Christians to apply for ecumenical funding
There are two new national schemes created by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CBTI) and Churches Together in England (CTE) to fund women and young people in ecumenical experience and study.
Dr Ian Watson, County Ecumenical Officer for NWCT says “we have many talented young and female Christians in Norfolk and Waveney who could benefit from accessing these funds. They provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to gain more experience in ecumenism and to develop their ecumenical skills - especially abroad. NWCT supports these schemes because it will benefit our county as well as the individual. We encourage those who meet the criteria to throw their hats in the ring and apply.”
The Pauline Webb Fund. CTBI awards grants to support women’s participation in ecumenical work. The programme was established with the support of the late Dr Pauline Webb of the Methodist Church in honour of her leadership in ecumenism, internationally and closer to home. Throughout her career she held a series of significant leadership roles in the World Council of Churches and the Methodist Conference of Great Britain. She played a key role in significant ecumenical dialogues and campaigns and in the world of religious affairs broadcasting. She was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and leadership through her speeches and publications, but above all through her example. She was keen to support and encourage the participation of women in the ecumenical movement, especially through support for younger leaders to gain ecumenical experience early in their careers.
The fund awards grants of up to £1000 as a contribution towards travel or other costs to enable women to: attend an ecumenical event: undertake a course or study visit in the area of ecumenism; and conduct research in the area of ecumenism.
In accordance with the focus of this fund, preference is given to women to enable them to have an experience of ecumenical engagement. To apply, simply download the application pack here (Word) and return the completed form by email here. Decisions on the awarding of grants are made by the trustees of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The deadline for the current round of applications is the 30 June 2024.
The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund. This was launched in October 2023 by CTE and the Snelson family. It is in memory of Bill Snelson, a dedicated ecumenist, who was General Secretary of CTE from 1997 to 2008. Grants of up to £6000 from the Fund allow young adults (18 to 35) to experience ecumenism abroad. That experience can be study, pilgrimage, volunteering or any activity that promotes church unity.
The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund will next open for applications in the week commencing 12th February 2024. Download here a brief guide to The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund and how to apply.
Photo: Dr Pauline Webb of the Methodist Church, courtesy of the World Council of Churches