The Church facing Covid-19
Global ecumenical prayer shows “we are one world and one human family”
Participants of the Global ecumenical prayer concluding the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on 25 January, 2021. Photo: WCC
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.
As he offered words of welcome, WCC interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca reflected that the online format allowed people to pray together wherever they are. “The global pandemic has shown just how fragile we are as humans, yet also how creative and resilient we can be when we pray and work together to bring hope and a sense of caring for each other and for the wider ecumenical family,” he said. “We are one world and one human family.”
The theme for this year, with materials prepared by the Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland, was “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit.”
Prayer is one of the fruits that is borne out of our abiding in Christ’s love, reflected Sauca. “As we gather in prayer, we do so as an affirmation and expression of our common vocation to pray for Christian unity and reconciliation among our human family."
In a pastoral greeting, WCC moderator of the Central Committee Dr Agnes Abuom reflected that we are called as Christians and churches to move from separation to full visible communion in faith, life, mission and witness. “This is the core vocation of the World Council of Churches,” she said. “But this vocation cannot be fulfilled if we do not pray together for the realization of this calling and vision.”
His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania spoke on the importance of common witness. “It is clear that it is not enough only to receive and to benefit from the divine blessings and gifts,” he said….
This article was originally published by The World Council of Churches. Please click here to read the full text.