CIRDE's capacity-building program on ecumenism for youths is a two-part training series designed to promote Christian unity, enhance interdenominational cooperation, and equip youths with the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful ecumenical dialogue. This training is crucial in breaking misconceptions, fostering collaboration among different Christian denominations, and strengthening community relationships for effective pastoral and evangelization work. Guided by Jesus' own words, "that they may all be one" (John 17:21), the training will emphasize the importance of Christian unity.
The first part of the training focused on introducing youths to the understanding of ecumenism, church history, and the Catholic Church's perspective on ecumenism. In terms of history, it explored the relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox/other Churches, helping the youths grasp the origins of Christian divisions and the efforts toward unity. The second part of the training will delve deeper into Catholicism and Protestantism, examining their differences and areas of convergence to encourage dialogue and cooperation.
The program commenced with the first training session at Cathedral Denary on February 8, 2025, followed by Marafa Denary on February 22, 2025. The series continued with Chakama Denary on March 1, 2025, and Watamu Denary on March 8, 2025, ensuring that youths from these regions gained valuable insights into ecumenism.
So far, over 80 youths from these four denaries have benefited from this training. The remaining two denaries, Central and Lamu, are scheduled for training in the second week of March 2025, completing the first phase of the initiative. The sessions are led by priests with vast knowledge and expertise in ecumenism, supported by the CIRDE team, ensuring a well-structured and impactful learning experience.
The Catholic Diocese of Malindi (CDoM) is grateful for the financial and technical support received from AGIAMONDO, which has made this important work possible.