The world’s ecumenical movement is entering into a new phase as more dialogue between different Christian denominations has been opening up. The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev Samuel Kobia has taken a pro-active role in reaching out to the Roman Catholic Church and Russian Orthodox Church through his official visit in the last two weeks.

On Sunday 26th June, the WCC’s new ecumenical research centre at Bossey, Switzerland, was inaugurated to mark another major step.

While the WCC’s headquarters, which deals with all administration work, is located in Geneva, the new facility in Bossey is expected to work side by side and to contribute greatly to the Council's academic research capacity in ecumenism and theology.

The WCC ecumenical research centre is situated on the grounds of the Ecumenical Institute, complementing the main library and archives located at the WCC's headquarters in Geneva. It is said to be one of the leading international academic resources on theology and ecumenism. It contains over 130,000 books, periodicals, and thousands of unique archival documents, photos and videos covering the history of the ecumenical movement from the 19th century to the present day.

The WCC General Secretary Rev Samuel Kobia and one of the originators of the project, former WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser gave addresses on the inauguration ceremony about the function and significance of building the centre.

Raiser underlined that the modernised and expanded library and archives are an "extraordinary resource" now accessible to many more people.

Apart from fulfilling the original vision of the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey to bring healing to all nations and churches after World War II, Kobia proposed strengthening efforts to explore the interconnectedness of faith, economy and ecology.
"Through the concerted endeavours of faith and business leaders, it will be possible to build a more just, peaceful, harmonious and sustainable society," he said.

All the funds in building the ecumenical research centre was generously donated by the Pictet & Cie bank, which is celebrating its bicentennial this year.

Mr Claude Demole, one of the bank's eight managing partners, welcomed the establishment of the centre as a contribution to the "spirit of tolerance and dialogue" which characterises Geneva and with which his bank is "proud" to be associated.