Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua

ECOC

Mission

The Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua was founded in 2003 with the vision of providing low-cost housing for clergy, religious workers, and lay persons from all faith groups. Real-life ecumenical and interfaith relations are fostered at meal times and through community living where guests gain understanding of each other’s traditions and form lifelong friendships. We are dedicated to providing an accessible and nurturing environment that supports the guests while they are experiencing the intellectual, cultural, and religious programs of Chautauqua.

Our spiritual ancestor was the Ministers’ Union founded in 1928 by Edmund Westervelt. His vision, revolutionary at the time, was to provide low-cost housing for clergy and religious workers of all Christian denominations so guests could have the opportunities to learn about each other’s experiences and could be renewed in the stimulating atmosphere of Chautauqua.