North America — Turtle Island
Regional Ecumenical
Theological Institute
“Where Now for Visible Justice?”
Discover the Institute
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A Joint Initiative of
NATI-RETI 2026 is a fully immersive residential theological learning program designed as a pilgrimage across borders — bringing together emerging Christian leaders from the United States and Canada for deep theological reflection and spiritual fellowship.
Drawing inspiration from the World Council of Churches’ Global Ecumenical Theological Institutes (GETI) — which have gathered emerging theologians in Busan, Arusha, Karlsruhe, Abuja, and Wadi El Natrun — NATI-RETI adapts this proven model of immersion and dialogue to the specific context of North America-Turtle Island.
This initiative marks a significant renewed chapter in cross-border collaboration, creating a shared platform to engage the deep intersections of faith and public life, and to nurture the visible unity of the church.
This question serves as the common thread weaving through every plenary, study group, study visit, and intercultural contextual immersion. It challenges North American churches to move beyond abstract affirmations and confront the tangible requirements of the Gospel in their specific contexts.
Whether discussing climate, race, politics, economics, or solidarity with indigenous communities, the question of justice—and the church’s role in embodying it—will intersect with all theological and ecumenical reflections.
The two-week immersion is structured into two distinct geographical and thematic phases, allowing for a comparative and holistic exploration of the North American–Turtle Island context.
An immersive opening week engaging the unique religious, social, and historical landscapes of Detroit — a city whose story of struggle, faith, and resilience mirrors the themes of visible justice at the heart of the institute.
The concluding week explores the Canadian context’s distinctive contributions to ecumenical theology, with particular attention to Indigenous reconciliation, multiculturalism, and the church’s witness in secular society.
Guided by the central theme of visible justice, the curriculum addresses six critical dimensions grounded in the lived realities of North American–Turtle Island communities.
Understanding and exploring the legacy of colonialism and the church’s path toward genuine reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island.
Addressing systemic injustice and the church’s responsibility in dismantling white supremacy and building communities of genuine equity and belonging.
Navigating faith and public witness in increasingly secularized societies, and discerning the church’s voice and role in the public square.
Analyzing economic inequality and inequity within two of the world’s wealthiest nations through the lens of prophetic theology and Gospel witness.
Theological and practical responses to the ecological crisis, integrating care for creation with the church’s commitment to justice for all peoples.
Building meaningful bridges with neighbours of living faiths in our pluralistic societies, and discerning the ecumenical calling to peaceful coexistence.
NATI-RETI 2026 gathers a carefully selected, diverse cohort of emerging Christian scholars and leaders committed to the visible unity and justice of the Church.
Experienced facilitators will guide small groups and serve as mentors throughout both phases of the journey, ensuring deep theological engagement and personal formation.
The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) is a broad and inclusive ecumenical body, now representing 26-member churches, including Anglican, Eastern and Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Free Church, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, and Historic Protestant traditions. Together, these member churches comprise 85% of the Christians in Canada. The Canadian Council of Churches was founded in 1944.
The fellowship of churches that seeks unity, a common witness, and service in the name of Jesus Christ. NATI-RETI is inspired by the WCC’s Global Ecumenical Theological Institute model.
The leading voice of witness to the living Christ in the public square since 1950, bringing together 37 member communions representing over 35 million Christians.
NATI-RETI 2026 represents a vital investment in the future of the ecumenical movement in North America–Turtle Island. By gathering in Detroit and Toronto, we commit to a theology that is not only learned but lived—in solidarity with those who are marginalized and in prayerful hope for the unity of the Church.
