The North America–Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI) recently concluded a meeting, bringing together 20 emergent theologians and ecumenical leaders from the United States and Canada for weeks of intensive learning, prayer, encounter, and community life.
Early August under the theme Where Now for Visible Justice?, the institute began with a residential week in Detroit, United States, followed by a second week at the University of Toronto, Canada. In those two weeks, through study, worship, and shared experiences, participants explored some of the most pressing challenges facing churches and communities today while deepening their commitment to ecumenical engagement.
NATI-RETI was jointly organized by the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC), in collaboration with the World Council of Churches (WCC). Inspired by the WCC's Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI), the program adapted its immersive model to the unique realities of North America–Turtle Island.
Curriculum Addresses Interconnected Pillars
The theme, Where Now for Visible Justice? served as a guiding question throughout the program and reflects an ongoing concern within the ecumenical movement. NATI-RETI offered participants a unique opportunity to engage this question across national and denominational boundaries, while benefiting from the accompaniment and support of the World Council of Churches.
The curriculum was organized around six interconnected pillars: Climate Justice, Secularism and Laicity, Racism and Anti-Racism, Interfaith Dialogue, Solidarity with Indigenous Communities, Wealth Disparity and Poverty. Participants engaged these themes through an integrated approach that combined academic study, spiritual formation, and contextual immersion.
A defining feature of NATI-RETI was its cross-border character that created space for participants to learn from one another's national, ecclesial, cultural, and social contexts while reflecting on the churches' shared witness. Beyond the formal program, the institute cultivated meaningful friendships, strengthened ecumenical relationships, and laid the foundation for future alliances among a new generation of church leaders committed to visible justice and Christian unity.
The institute also fortified collaboration between the CCC and NCC (USA), providing opportunities to deepen understanding of each other's histories, cultures, and contexts. Organizers reflected that the experience renewed hope in the ecumenical movement, reinforced shared commitments to Christian unity, and fostered lasting relationships that will continue to encourage future partnerships and connections across the region
How Can You Help?
Your support of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment allows our ecumenical partners around the world to speak out against atrocities such as war and poverty for those who don’t have a voice. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
by Amanda Dowd, NCC Communications Officer
This story shows the impact of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to foster unity and shared witness among Christians worldwide. Through this fund, the Church participates in ecumenical partnerships, interfaith dialogues, and collaborative ministries that extend the reach of the Gospel. Together, we model Christ’s prayer that all may be one.
When your church supports the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, you help The United Methodist Church build bridges of faith and partnership across the global Church.
