Dr. Aaron Hollander, Executive Director of Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, and Fr. Brian Terry, SA, recently represented the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at the 2026 North American Academy of Ecumenists meeting at Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey.
The gathering brought together scholars and leaders in ecumenism for several days of dialogue, collaboration, and fellowship, with opportunities to explore the challenges and possibilities facing the work of Christian unity and interfaith fraternity. With the theme of “The Common Good in Our Common Home,” conference participants discussed their research on a wide range of urgent questions: from “the gift of disagreement” in increasingly polarized times, to environmental injustice in segregated cities, to the special challenges and opportunities of ministries and church buildings shared across denominations. Some students and seminarians presented their first scholarly papers at the gathering – an honor for the academy to be a platform for the work of brilliant emerging ecumenical voices.
Among the highlights, Dr. Hollander and Fr. Brian celebrated the contributions of Mykayla Turner and Monica Schaap Pierce, recipients of the 2026 Sr. Lorelei Fuchs, SA Award. Dr. Hollander also co-led a workshop with Prof. Raimundo Barreto of Princeton Theological Seminary on “World Christianity & Ecumenical Method,” exploring connections between scholarship and the practice of ecumenism.
The meeting also marked the conclusion of Dr. Hollander’s seven years of service on the NAAE Board, including his most recent role as Immediate Past President. He was recognized for his contributions to the organization and his work to help strengthen its future. “The NAAE would not be in the strong position we are today without the work of Aaron Hollander,” said Dr. Jakob Rinderknecht during his remarks as outgoing NAAE President. During his time in the Presidential line, he strengthened our institutional structures, expanded our ability to reach out to younger scholars, and helped move the academy into a new era of scholarship.”
While in Princeton, Dr. Hollander and Fr. Brian also made new connections and explored opportunities for future collaborations with Graymoor, in New York City and beyond. Their participation reflects Graymoor’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships, fostering dialogue and advancing the mission of Christian unity and interreligious understanding.
