WCC Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021: Summary

SUMMARY GLOBAL PRAYER Global ecumenical prayer for Christian Unity NEWS Global ecumenical prayer shows “we are one world and one human family” In a culmination of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held its first ever online global ecumenical prayer on 25 January, drawing attendees from across the world who came together in a spirit of hope.      Newly published vademecum for Catholic bishops highlights importance of reciprocal trust An Ecumenical Vademecum for Bishops, first drafted by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity then published by the dicastery with the blessing of Pope Francis, promotes ecumenism within the Catholic Church and within its relationships with other Christians.   Week of Prayer daily devotions now reaching Arabic-speaking audience For the first time, a Bible app is making daily devotions during the 2021 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity available in an Arabic translation provided by the Middle East Council of Churches. Christians worldwide gather in prayer for unity— even if distanced Even as nations continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, final preparations are under way for one of the world’s largest annual prayer observances, traditionally celebrated 18-25 January. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity involves Christian communities from many traditions and all parts of the globe. At a time when public health concerns put a limit on physical gatherings, it provides an opportunity for churches to come together by means of a typically Christian practice that long predates modern transport: prayer. Week of Prayer: can you picture it? Can you help us create a global picture of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity? In times of pandemic, creative photos and illustrations are more inspirational than ever! Please send us your photo or illustration by 26 January.   WCC will host online celebration for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity World Council of Churches (WCC) interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca is inviting the global ecumenical family and friends to join the WCC for a livestreamed public prayer service on 25 January, the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.   Sisters share wisdom of life rooted in Christ for next week of prayer for unity The newly available materials for next year‘s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity draw on the experience of contemplative community life to guide us on a journey of prayer bearing fruits of reconciliation and solidarity. Tasked with preparing a draft for the 2021 edition, the Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland chose the theme “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit” (cf. Jn 15:5-9).   Praying for unity with the Sisters of Grandchamp in 2021 You may miss the cry of the tortured Christ on the cross, carved by the Brazilian artist Guido Rocha, if you do not look carefully at your right hand side as you enter the dark-wooden chapel of the monastic Community of Grandchamp, a hamlet near the Lake of Neuchâtel, in Switzerland.

RESOURCES Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Material for 2021 Global ecumenical prayer for Christian Unity: Order of prayer Sister Svenja's reflection for morning prayer on the first day of the Week of Prayer 2021 Pilgrim Prayer: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle

Week of Prayer 2021 Bible reading plan in the YouVersion Bible app MORNING PRAYERS SOCIAL MEDIA Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021 on Twitter EVENTS Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18 - 25 January 2021 Preparing the Week of Prayer 2021, the Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland chose the theme “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit” (cf. Jn 15:5-9). It expresses their community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the church and the human family. Global ecumenical prayer for Christian Unity 25 January 2021 WCC interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca is inviting the global ecumenical family and friends to join a livestreamed public prayer service on the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. JOIN THE PRAYER Pray with us - all year long! LEARN MORE Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021 Share Tweet Forward

Stay updated following the World Council of Churches on social media: The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC interim general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland