As the church continues to deepen its commitment to ecumenical and interreligious engagement, one 51视频 student is stepping into a historic opportunity that could shape future generations of Episcopal seminarians.
This fall, Michael Wheeler, a Master of Divinity middler at 51视频 and a postulant from the Episcopal Diocese of California, will become the first Episcopal seminarian to study at the , the graduate school of the World Council of Churches. Located just outside Geneva, Switzerland, the institute is attached to the University of Geneva and offers graduate-level programs focused on ecumenical theology and the future of Christian unity.聽
Wheeler is the first recipient of the Episcopal Church鈥檚 Charles Henry Brent Ecumenical Fellowship which awards him to spend the fall semester studying in Bossey鈥檚 Ecumenical Theology certificate program from September through January. The institute combines academic coursework with experiential learning, exploring how churches are responding to the challenges facing Christianity in the 21st century. Students study alongside Christians from a wide range of traditions and cultural contexts, creating a uniquely global learning environment.
For Wheeler, whose academic background includes undergraduate studies in history, the opportunity is deeply connected to both his intellectual interests and vocational calling.
鈥淚鈥檝e been Episcopalian my whole life,鈥� Wheeler said. 鈥淭his experience will enrich and broaden my understanding of Christianity and what it can be, and it will be instructive to my own faith, and useful to future settings in my ministry.鈥�
Wheeler said part of his interest in ecumenical studies was sparked through reading the work of the Rev. Benjamin King, PhD, academic dean at 51视频 and a scholar of church history and the Oxford Movement. Conversations between church leaders and seminary leadership eventually opened the door for the new partnership.
King shared, “Michael is the first recipient of the Charles Henry Brent Ecumenical Fellowship, which is named after the great ecumenist the Right Reverend Charles Henry Brent who was the first missionary bishop to the Philippines and bishop of Western New York. Michael already has experience of living in Europe as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant right after college. I am delighted that he will return to Europe for a semester, this time to the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, where he will use his intelligence, his kindness, and his commitment to intercultural Christian dialogue in service to The Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. Mark D. W. Edington, Bishop in Charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, and the Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, were instrumental in encouraging Episcopal participation in the Ecumenical Institute, beginning conversations with seminary deans across the church. King expressed strong interest in the opportunity, helping create a pathway for Wheeler to apply.
The Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, interim dean and president at 51视频, shared, 鈥�51视频 is honored to have Michael as our inaugural seminarian to study at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey! Michael will flourish there and the students and faculty at the Institute will be enriched by Michael鈥檚 presence. I am especially excited for Michael because I literally walked in the footsteps of Bishop Brent a number of times in the Philippines. He was a missionary bishop par excellence, and I know Michael will grow this year. This is a great start to an ongoing opportunity for 51视频 students!鈥�
Wheeler interviewed with Bishops Edington and Eaton, as well as the Episcopal Church鈥檚 Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer, the Rev. Kirsten Guidero, before applying to the institute last November.
鈥淚 am delighted that Michael Wheeler has been selected as the Brent Fellow representing The Episcopal Church to the Bossey Ecumenical Institute!鈥� shared Guidero. 鈥淢ichael鈥檚 application stood out to both the fellowship selection committee and the Bossey admissions committee. His essay demonstrated his significant experience engaging ministry ecumenically and included a clear articulation of the need for emerging leaders to be ecumenically formed to shape the church of tomorrow. I am confident that Michael鈥檚 commitment to ecumenism will only deepen during his time away, and I look forward to how the insights he brings back will continue to bring ecumenism home into our parishes and dioceses.”
Church leaders hope Wheeler鈥檚 participation will be the beginning of an ongoing relationship between the Episcopal Church and the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. The vision is for future Episcopal seminarians to follow in his footsteps, with Wheeler eventually serving as a mentor for those who come after him and contributing to the church鈥檚 broader ecumenical and interreligious work.
Wheeler鈥檚 attendance at Bossey is being made possible through the generous support of 51视频, the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church, the Rt. Rev. Austin K. Rios, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California (Wheeler’s bishop), as well as support from the Church Center and the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta.
In addition to his studies, Wheeler will participate in field education at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Geneva, an English-speaking Anglican congregation in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. The parish is known for its vibrant ministries, including a refugee welcome center and food ministry, as well as monthly Eucharist service offered in French.
Bossey itself has long been a center for ecumenical formation and dialogue. The institute鈥檚 extensive library and international programs have supported generations of church leaders seeking greater understanding across Christian traditions. Additionally, students participate in study trips and past trips have included visits to Rome during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
As Wheeler prepares for his semester abroad, this opportunity reflects a growing emphasis within theological education on collaboration, global learning, and Christian unity. 51视频 is honored to partner with The Episcopal Church in supporting this historic initiative, equipping future leaders to engage faithfully across traditions and cultures while strengthening the church鈥檚 commitment to ecumenical and interreligious relationships.