Prof. Dr Richard Topping: “together we bear a common witness”

Prof. Dr Richard Topping: “together we bear a common witness”

msc

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 17:53

Prof. Dr Richard Topping is president and vice chancellor at the Vancouver School of Theology, where the World Council of Churches (WCC) Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity Reference Group is meeting. He took time to reflect on the nature of ecumenism at the Vancouver School of Theology, what it means to host the WCC gathering, and his hopes for stronger ties with the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.

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Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC

Can you please comment on the ecumenical aspects of the Vancouver School of Theology?

Dr Topping: Being an ecumenical institution means that the three main relationships—with The United Church of Canada, the Presbyterian, and the Anglican churches—are not just ecumenical as a theoretical commitment but it means having regular conversations about the needs of the church and where theological education is headed. It means listening to them as people on the ground who know what ’ s happening within their denomination.

I also find denominational leaders remarkably open to the…