The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) Europe joined with faith leaders from across denominations and nations in Sweden last week to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Ecumenical Conference in Stockholm — a historic gathering credited with shaping the modern ecumenical movement.

The events, held Aug. 18–24, launched the Ecumenical Year 2025 under the theme “Time for God’s Peace.” Leaders also commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, underscoring both historical reflection and renewed commitment to unity, peace and justice.

“It was really a blessed week, both challenging and comforting,” said the Rev. Jenny Dobers, president of WCRC Europe and regional president for Stockholm of the Uniting Church in Sweden. “To meet so many people from so many traditions that all long for peace and are willing to contribute to God’s peace gives energy that will last. The intense prayer life will carry on and carry us.”

Dobers moderated a roundtable at Immanuel Church titled “The Church’s Responsibility for God’s Peace,” where church leaders discussed the role of faith communities in reconciliation and resisting polarization. Throughout the week, more than 70 seminars, services and celebrations emphasized the theme, with repeated references to Jesus’ words: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Organizers called the gathering a significant milestone in the ongoing ecumenical journey, celebrating a broader inclusion of Christian traditions. While the Catholic Church and Pentecostal movement were absent from the 1925 conference, their participation this year was welcomed with joy. Interreligious encounters also enriched the program.

“The mere fact that we came together — the meetings, shared stories, songs, prayers, tears and laughter — all of it was peace-making in action,” organizers said in a statement. “The atmosphere of shared insight, that a lot is at stake in our world, was encouraging. Clear and prophetic words were spoken on the state of our present time.”

The celebration included a public Festival for Peace in central Stockholm’s Kungsträdgården, where people joined hands in a manifestation for peace. Hosted by the Christian Council of Sweden, the festival drew participants from all walks of life in a visible display of unity and hope.

“This has been a very important week for the ecumenical movement,” said the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the WCRC. “The Life and Work movement, born in Stockholm, continues to shape the way churches engage with unity, justice and peace today.”

In addition to honoring the 1925 conference and the Nicaean legacy of 325, church leaders also emphasized practical next steps. They encouraged local congregations across Sweden to deepen ecumenical relationships and foster cooperation in their communities.

The anniversary week concluded with a collective prayer reflecting Archbishop Nathan Söderblom’s original call to peace: “Extinguish hate and contempt; break down walls between people. Fill the church in our country with your Spirit and bring healing to the Christians in our world. Gather us together in your eternal peace.”

WCRC leaders reaffirmed the communion’s commitment to ecumenical witness and ongoing collaboration across traditions in pursuit of justice, reconciliation and the peace of Christ in a divided world.