Christian Unity and Dialogue
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2016
The tide of Christian ecumenism has ebbed and flowed over the past century; but whether it was at its height or apparently beyond the horizon, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has acted as a practical local reminder that although His Church is fractured, Christ remains undivided and at one with the Father and with all his children.
Since the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity began in 1908 many millions of believers have been brought to a closer understanding of one another and into closer communion with one another and with The Lord of the Church himself through the thousands of local initiatives which take place across the world.
For those of us living in Britain and Ireland this experience of worship and study between 18–25 January each year has been greatly enriched by the materials provided by Churches together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI).
What was once a national celebration has become truly ecumenical in its reach by the adaptation of resources from all around the world for use in local settings. This year is no different, the 2016 material was prepared for worldwide use by the Christians of Latvia, and adapted by the Britain and Ireland writers group, based around the verses 1 Peter 2:9–10. Peter’s first letter is an encouragement to the newly baptised to live holy lives and to answer the calling shared by all the baptised to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord.
These resources can be accessed and printed for use free of charge by clicking on https://ctbi.org.uk/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2016/
As the Chair of the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue I wish to commend the use of these resources to you and to wish you well in whatever ecumenical enterprise you may embark upon to give expression to the life of the eternal and undivided Christ.
+John Clogher:
For further information please contact:
The Commission for Christian Unity & Dialogue
Church of Ireland House
Church Avenue
Rathmines
Dublin 6
unity@ireland.anglican.org