Christians unite in prayer
Next week, churches across the world will mark the week of prayer for Christian unity.
The annual event is designed to strengthen the ecumenical ties between denominations and encourage a sense of mutual support. It is traditionally observed from January 18-25 – between the feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul.
This year the theme is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit.” (John 15:1-17)
The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, is encouraging people in Wales to join in. He says, “During this time of Covid, all the Christian churches of Wales have faced similar challenges. It reminds us that we truly belong together in the worship of God and in bringing God’s love to the world. Now we’re invited to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us into closer co-operation, and renew our sense of unity in the Gospel. I hope every Christian in Wales will find time to share in this Week of Prayer.”
Resources have been prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. The theme expresses the community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the Church and the human family.
The week will end with a global live-streamed public prayer service organised by the World Council of Churches. The WWC interim general secretary, Prof Dr Ioan Sauca, is inviting ecumenical family and friends across the world to join in.
He says, “As restrictions in many places due to the coronavirus pandemic are making it difficult to physically gather, this global online celebration will allow us to pray together wherever we are.
Prayer is one of the fruits that is borne out of our abiding in Christ’s love.”
- The services takes place on Monday 25 January at 1pm at: www.oikoumene.org/live
- Download resources for your own church events
Christian Aid
Each year Christian Aid provides the Go and Do action points for each of the daily reflections – linking into the important work of Christian Aid in the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
Social media
Show your support for Christian Unity by posting unity messages and details of your events to our Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Twitter wall – simply add the #wpcuwall hashtag to your Twitter post (note there is a delay before they appear). You can also find updates about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Twitter by following the #wpcu2021 hashtag.