What is the Stewards Programme?
The Stewards Programme is an ecumenical experience for young adults from CEC Member Churches in Europe participating in CEC General Assembly that will be held from 14 – 20 June 2023 in Tallinn, Estonia, exploring the theme “Under God’s blessing – shaping the future”.
The programme develops ecumenical formation and understanding of church relations in Europe.
Stewards play a special role in the smooth running of the General Assembly by assisting in areas of work such as common prayer, communications, language services and floor management.
A short ecumenical formation programme held before the Assembly provides stewards, as well as youth advisors, to engage in the exchange of knowledge related to European churches.
What is the CEC General Assembly?
Every five years, the General Assembly meets to make decisions for CEC’s future. The Assembly brings together participants representing CEC Member Churches, Organisations in Partnership and European National Councils of Churches from across Europe. The Assembly will also elect the new board members who will steer CEC’s work for the next five years.
The CEC Assembly will be a significant moment of prayer, fellowship and reflection for the life and witness of the churches in Europe. The theme will bind the assembly participants together in an ecumenical spirit to offer churches’ contributions toward Europe’s future. Together, they will highlight the voice of the Christian faith in European societies addressing the policymakers.
What is unique about this programme?
The Stewards Programme will ensure a vibrant participation of young adults at the General Assembly. These participants will not only enrich dialogue at the Assembly from diverse youth perspectives but will help set directions of the ecumenical future.
The Youth Pre-Assembly event will prepare young participants for the Assembly bringing together Christian youth from Europe active in the churches and society.
Who is eligible to apply?
Young people aged between 18 and 30 with a strong interest in ecumenical work are eligible to apply!
All applicants must be nominated by CEC Member Churches or European ecumenical organisations.
Sufficient knowledge of English combined with motivation and enthusiasm to work long hours in a diverse team is required.
Who covers the expenses?
CEC will be responsible for board and lodging expenses and will provide pocket money during the programme. Travel costs, passport, visa and other personal expenses are to be borne by the steward. Applicants are encouraged to apply to their home church, local parish and/or diocese, or National Council of Churches for funding.
How to apply?
The application is made via an online form. When applying, the following documents are helpful to have at hand:
- A scanned copy of your passport or national identity card
- A scan of a letter of recommendation from a church or ecumenical organisation based in Europe
Please click here to begin your application.
Deadline for applications is 20 January 2023.
If you are unable to complete the online application for some reason or have other questions, please contact Eleri Soidla: 2023assembly@cec-kek.be.