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Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity
Every year at this time the World Council of Churches offers us worship resources and information to help us acknowledge a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This is one of many ecumenical programs and conversations designed to enable different denominations within the Christian faith worldwide to come together as one, to worship together, and to learn from each other.

This year the resources for a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity come from Burkina Faso, in West Africa. The scriptural theme this year is “You shall love the Lord your God . . . and your neighbour as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) It is a good reminder that despite the differences from one denomination to another, we have a common identity in the experience of God’s love. Love is at the center of all that we do in our quest for peace and reconciliation.

I think it is good to mention that the differences from one Christian denomination to another are usually a good thing. The many different expressions of the Christian faith allow folks with a variety of gifts and experiences to connect with the story in a way that is meaningful for them. Language, ritual, music, worship, will vary from one community to another and from one country to another.

During a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity each year we are reminded of those common denominators that bring us together. This year, the words “love God, and love your neighbour,” brings us together in a simple but powerful way. I think this theme also invites us to extend our conversations to include those of other faith traditions as well. If we are really to take seriously our quest for peace and reconciliation, we must recognize human and spiritual diversity on a global scale. It still all comes down to love – Love of God, and love of neighbour.

Peace and Joy,

Nancy