In November 2025, OCMS faculty members Ralph Lee and Mark Oxbrow, OCMS Research Associate Calum Samuelson, and recent OCMS alumnus Riad Ghobrial took part in the2025 Lausanne–Orthodox Initiative (LOI) gathering at Logos Papal Center of the Coptic Church at Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. All four also served on the organising committee, helping shape the programme for this year’s meeting. See a short video of the event location and listen to audio recordings of the proceedings here.
The gathering brought together participants from Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, North America and other global regions, with roughly two-thirds from Evangelical backgrounds and one-third from Orthodox traditions. The Lausanne–Orthodox Initiative is a movement of Orthodox and Evangelical Christians committed to learning from one another, fostering mutual respect, and walking together in God’s mission. LOI offers a space for honest reflection on the history of Orthodox–Evangelical relations, while also cultivating friendships that make genuine dialogue possible.
Around 70 participants attended this year’s meeting — a number deliberately kept small to encourage deep conversation, shared reflection, and relationship-building. The theme for 2025 was: “Navigating the Legacy of Nicaea: Community, Conduct, and Creed.” You can read more about the event and the conference sessions on the LOI website.
Learning from Nicaea
As part of the main programme, Mark Oxbrow joined Dr Nathan Hoppe to speak on “LOI Vision in the Light of Nicaea.” Their session explored what today’s Christian leaders might learn from the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), especially as Evangelicals and Orthodox seek to listen well and collaborate faithfully.
Mark highlighted several parallels:
- Intentional Invitations: Participants at Nicaea were personally invited by the convening bishop. Likewise, the LOI board carefully identifies individuals who can contribute meaningfully and sends personal invitations.
- A Community of Manageable Size: The original council gathered around 320 bishops — large enough to represent diversity, but small enough for genuine engagement. LOI intentionally limits its conferences to under 100 participants to facilitate deeper relationships.
- Differences Held in Fellowship: Nicaea included bishops with diverging theological perspectives. In the same spirit, LOI brings together leaders from different traditions to listen, discuss, and challenge one another respectfully.
- Time for Shared Life: The Council of Nicaea lasted about three months, allowing participants to bond through worship, meals and extended fellowship. Although LOI meets for only four days, the programme includes breaks, prayer, and unstructured time to help friendships grow beyond formal sessions.
A Gathering of Reflection and Renewal
This year’s theme underscored the continuing relevance of Nicaea for a world marked by fragmentation and division. By drawing on ancient wisdom while nurturing present-day relationships, LOI offers a rare space where Evangelical and Orthodox leaders can meet not simply to debate, but to understand and walk with one another.
