WCC News: Around the world, with one heart: the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was observed across the world with services, prayers, and gatherings—all with a heart for bringing together people in profound ways. From 18–25 January, people were inspired by the 2025 theme, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26), as they united in prayer and reflection. A special prayer service for the Christian unity in the Cathedral of St. George in Jerusalem on Sunday, 26 January 2025. Photo: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land 30 January 2025 Putting aside all that separates us Conference of European Churches president His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain joined Łódź Holy Mass for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on 20 January at the invitation of His Eminence Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź.  In his sermon, Archbishop Nikitas highlighted the need for solidarity, mutual understanding, and faith to overcome divisions. "We gather not as Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestants, but simply as Christians, putting aside all that separates us," he said.  In Jerusalem, people convened for special prayer services each evening in a different church. Concluding the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Middle East Council of Churches also culminated the commemoration of its 50th anniversary.  During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), along with Church leaders from various traditions, participated in a Holy Mass at Łódź Cathedral at the invitation of His Eminence Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź, Poland, 20 January 2025.  Photo: Archidiecezja Łódzka At the First Armenian Evangelical Church in Beirut, the prayer included a candlelight service.  Rev, Dr Paul Haidostian delivered a speech in which he said: “As this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concludes today, I remember all those in our world who cannot pray freely and peacefully due to persecution, injustice, fear, ignorance, arrogance, or hopelessness. I pray that the MECC and all churches together become a true witness to the liberating love of God, and that all people may see that what binds us together is not just our efforts but our rootedness in Christ and His love.” Tuning in Churches Together in England brought a higher profile than usual to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity when prayers and songs were played over local radio stations as well as BBC.  “The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity rarely makes headlines but it makes a real difference to those involved and is a great example of Christian witness in communities up and down the country,” said Churches Together In England principal officer for Ecumenical Development and Relations Doral Hayes. BBC One marked the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with the program “Songs of Praise” featuring Churches Together in England, the conference that brings together leaders from different church traditions, including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Orthodox, and many more. Photo: screenshot from www.bbc.co.uk This year, though, the special week did make a few headlines when the BBC featured it.  “Did you know there are nearly 300 different church denominations in the UK?” read a promotion for the BBC show, entitled “Songs of Praise.”  Reflecting faith in the Triune God In India, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was observed in Delhi in various churches, and was promoted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and the National Council of Churches in India. Catholic Archbishop Anil JT Couto of Delhi emphasized the importance of unity among Christians. He stated, "Our Christian life should reflect our faith in the Triune God."  The archbishop stressed that, in Christ, Christians are called to experience a newness of life through humility and fidelity to their faith, which ultimately unites them in fellowship to heal a broken world. Christian communities in Delhi, India gather in prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed from January 18 to 25, 2025, promoting unity and fellowship. Photo: Radio Veritas Asia Connecting the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea As churches celebrated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, they also made special acknowledgement that the year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. For example, churches in France celebrated a special connection with Christian unity during a celebration organized on 18 February in Lyon that included the three co-presidents of the Council of Christian Churches in France – Metropolitan Dimitrios, president of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France; Pastor Christian Krieger, president of the Protestant Federation of France; and Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops' Conference.  Lyon has a special connection with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity since it was here that the Roman Catholic priest Paul Couturier advocated in 1935 the “Universal Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” on the basis of prayer for “the unity Christ wills by the means he wills.” This was one of the initiatives that has contributed to the week of prayer as it is celebrated today. Coinciding with the event, the Council of Christian Churches in France published a statement to commemorate the Nicaea anniversary, signed by the three co-presidents. “One of the aims of Nicaea 325 was the unity of the Church,” the statement recalled. “The anniversary of this first Council could be an opportunity to dream in the 21st century of a new Council, a Council of unity, which would bring together all the denominations and take a decisive step towards the visible unity of Christians.” On Friday, January 17, the celebration of the Ecumenical Day between the Protestant University of Central Africa (PUCA) and the Catholic University of Central Africa (CUCA) took place in Cameroon. In prelude to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the event in Nkolbisson, Yaoundé, was themed from John 11:26: "Do you believe this?". It was the sixth edition of the celebration, demonstrating the commitment of both universities to promote the unity of Christians in accordance with Christ's call in John 17:21: "That they may all be one." Photo: Pierre Yougouda Realigning our hearts in gatherings large and small The Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement of Graymoor in Garrison, New York (US) hosted an ecumenical service, both in-person and online, on 22 January at the Interchurch Center Chapel in New York City.  In their invitation to Christians far and wide, they wrote that the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity “continues today to realign the hearts of Christians toward mutual recognition and spiritual transformation.” Many small groups quietly gathered for simple prayers that, while unknown to many, powerfully united a world facing grave challenges. On 21 January, for example, people prayed around a Taize cross at the Newman Center/Holy Spirit Parish at the University of Hawaii at Manoa during an annual ecumenical Taize service marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. People prayed around the Taize cross Jan. 21 at the Newman Center/Holy Spirit Parish at the University of Hawaii at Manoa during the annual ecumenical Taize service marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Photo: Courtesy Dann Ebina One Taize prayer read:  God of love, who writes love in our hearts, instill in us the courage to look beyond ourselves and see the neighbor in those different from ourselves, that we may truly follow Jesus Christ, our brother and our friend, who is Lord, for ever and ever. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 invites reflection on common faith of Christians (WCC news release, 16 January 2025) Behind the scenes: preparing for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invoked hope in a common faith (WCC interview, 21 January 2025) Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity WPCU 2025 Reading plan on the Youversion Bible app See more

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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

American Baptist Churches USA - An Invitation to Prayer and Reflection

An Invitation to Prayer and Reflection 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.    1 Corinthians 12:26 (NIV) Dear American Baptist Family,  We are living in turbulent times, and in moments such as these, we are reminded of the power of prayer to strengthen our faith, guide our actions, and unite us in mission. On Friday, February 7, we invite you to dedicate time for prayer, fasting, and meditation as we seek God’s wisdom and peace. Then, at 3:00 p.m. EST | 12:00 p.m. PST on the same day, Friday, February 7, 2025, we will come together for a Call to Prayer and Reflection, lifting up the needs of our world, our nation, and those directly impacted by recent events, including policy changes regarding safety for our churches, immigration, refugees, the separation of church and state, recent fires and natural disasters, and current issues affecting American Baptists and persons across our nation and the world. As a diverse family of faith, we hold a range of perspectives on these matters, but we are united in Christ’s call to love, to listen, and to respond with compassion. We pray not only for discernment but also for those experiencing fear and uncertainty. We trust that through prayer, God works in us and through us, transforming hearts and actions. May this be a time of spiritual renewal and shared commitment to God’s mission. Join us in prayer on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST | 12:00 p.m. PST. Please register here. In Christ, The ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary American Baptist Churches USA

American Baptist Churches USA | P.O. Box 851 | Valley Forge, PA 19482 US

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, February 3 and Sunday, February 9, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, February 3, 2025 - That parents and communities would teach young people the importance of love and compassion.
• Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - That those in national authority would be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors.
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - That we condemn racism in all of its forms.
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 - That we consider God's word and will as we vote.
• Friday, February 7, 2025 - That we be thankful for the blessings we've received.
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 - That college students develop the gifts and talents given to them by God.
• Sunday, February 9, 2025 - That companies and unions in America would flourish with new creativity and practice honorable work ethics.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, January 26, 2025

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: Depending on your experience, you may wonder if healthy relationships are even possible. There’s a lot of brokenness in the world; therefore...

Sunday's Message - Keys to Healthy Relationships: Communication

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Keys to Healthy Relationships: ...: Depending on your experience, you may wonder if healthy relationships are even possible. There’s a lot of brokenness in the world; therefore...

WCC News: WCC moderator: Nowhere in the world will we apologize for preaching the gospel

Gospel must not be instrumentalized by politics – and churches should never apologize for reading the Bible or for preaching the Gospel, said World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm during his reflection at a morning prayer on 27 January. Prof. Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the World Council of Churches central committee providing his reflection at the Ecumenical Centre’s Monday Morning Prayer on 27 January 2025. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 29 January 2025 During his visit to the WCC offices in Geneva this week, Bedford-Strohm preached at a prayer service with the WCC staff, reflecting on a Gospel reading from Luke 4:14-21. The passage describes Jesus’ sermon in his hometown, Nazareth, sometimes referred to as the inaugural sermon of Jesus. Inaugural sermons are something very special, said Bedford-Strohm. “I remember my own inaugural sermon in 2011 very well - it has really accompanied me the whole time. And I remember Jerry Pillay's inaugural sermon when we celebrated his inauguration in the chapel in the Ecumenical Centre.” Besides inaugural sermons, there are also inaugural speeches, made by the leaders of countries – and some of these words have become famous, continuing to inspire generations to come. “How different was the tone of the inaugural address that we heard last Monday, just a week ago. Not the common good was in the center of the inaugural address of the new president of the United States, but the exclusion of those who are especially vulnerable,” said Bedford-Strohm. “And then came the bishop - a bishop with a soft and friendly voice, but strong words,” the WCC moderator said, referring to Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, who made a plea to president Trump during an interfaith service at the Washington cathedral. “Bishop Mariann Budde spoke truth to power. And what she said was simply the words of the Gospel.” “This was a historic sermon - it gave new energy, it gave new hope to many people all over the world,” said Bedford-Strohm. The president requested her to apologize. She didn't apologize. “Nowhere in the world will we apologize for reading the Bible or for preaching the Gospel. Nowhere in the world will we do that,” said the WCC moderator. This is the Gospel that is free from instrumentalization by politics, stated Bedford-Strohm.  When we listen to the words of Luke, we recognize what God wants to tell us: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” “Let's listen to these words. They give us a clear direction for our life and a direction that is really shaped by the Gospel and not by external political forces. Let's preach exactly that Gospel, wherever we are in the world,” concluded Bedford-Strohm. Read the full sermon by bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm on Luke 4:14-21 See more

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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Looking into the lectionary - A free Ash Wednesday liturgy

February 9, 2025 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13),1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 While picking berries, Robin Wall Kimmerer found herself surrounded by Cedar Waxwings, Catbirds, and Bluebirds. She laughed as the birds cackled, and together they gorged themselves on the thick clusters of red, blue and purple fruit. Kimmerer was filling her pale at her neighbor’s invitation. The birds were there at the berries’ behest, filling their bellies and spreading seeds. There was enough for everyone and joy at the unexpected bounty. Kimmerer, an Indigenous botanist and bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass, tells this story in her latest book The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. Building on Indigenous tradition and the wisdom of the natural world, she wonders if the concept of scarcity, which lies at the backbone of capitalism and Western civilization, is socially constructed. In this book, she asks: What if we built ourselves around a gift economy, where the goal is mutual flourishing, gratitude and reciprocity? I found myself lingering on these themes of scarcity and bounty as I read the Bible passages for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. Isaiah 61:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, and Luke 5:1-11 all tell the story of revelation and abundance. They each, in their way, push against the common Western wisdom that power is something to be hoarded, traded and manipulated for your benefit. There is a larger order to the universe, these passages tell us — one that calls us to put God’s will, which is love and relationship, at the center of all we do. In today’s gospel text, Jesus encounters Simon Peter, James and John in their workplace. Using the skills and tools at the fishermen’s disposal, Jesus reveals that, through him, there is abundance beyond what we can even imagine. Where there was no catch, Jesus demonstrates that God provides more fish than our boats can hold. This revelation takes some risk on behalf of the disciples. Their nets – the symbols of their identity and livelihood – break in the process of reeling in the fish. But this realization opens them to a new identity, a new way of being. The fishermen humble themselves (Luke 5:8,11) and they follow Jesus in his ministry. Similarly, the Isaiah and 1 Corinthians passages also tell stories of encountering the magnificence of God and responding with wonder and humility. ... Thank you to this week's writer Rose Schrott Taylor. Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship — February 9, 2025, by Rose Schrott Taylor PC(USA) announces major cuts to mission co-workers amid restructuring by Eric Ledermann Resistance to the kingdom (February 9, 2025) by Pamela Meilands After eyebrow-raising sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde beset with criticism and praise by Jack Jenkins Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war provides opportunity for reflection and education by Gregg Brekke Engaging public theology through art by Bethany Peerbolte Want the worship resources for February 2, 2025? You can find them here. Grief touches every corner of our lives — not just in moments of death but in quiet farewells, conflict, and lost health. Grieving Change and Loss invites you to embrace the wilderness of loss and rediscover the horizon of hope offered by Christ’s resurrection. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... A free Ash Wednesday liturgy Written by Anne Apple. More Light Presbyterians denounces anti-trans executive order, calls for action In a statement, More Light Presbyterians stands firm in faith, denouncing discrimination, defending LGBTQIA+ rights, and affirming the inherent dignity and worth of all people. — MLP A blessing for when to stay or to leave A prayer for those facing tough decisions by Katy Shevel. Who is Charlie Kirk, the new faith-focused enforcer of Trumpism? Kirk is positioning himself as not only Trump’s fiercest backer in the religious right but an enforcer of Trumpian dogma. Grief and gratitude: Celebrating the work of the Office of Theology and Worship The closure of the PC(USA) Office of Theology and Worship marks the end of an era. Charles Aden Wiley, III and Martha Moore-Keish mark the office's 40-year legacy. Horizons — Climate change Rosalind Banbury's sixth reflection on the 2024-2025 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.

Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel.