Methodists Urge Cooperation in Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
In a pastoral letter dated Dec. 14, 2004, two of the United Methodist Church (UMC)’s top ecumenical leaders made a case for observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity next month.
In a pastoral letter dated Dec. 14, 2004, two of the United Methodist Church (UMC)’s top ecumenical leaders made a case for observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity next month.
“Communities across the world will come together in celebration of our unity in Christ and United Methodists are a central part of this celebration,” the letter, written by Bishop William B. Oden and Rev. Larry D. Pickens, read.
The Week of Prayer began in 1908 in the Episcopal tradition, and since then spread throughout all Christian denominations and faith bodies. Each year, the theme and texts for the week of prayer is appointed by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches – the world’s largest ecumenical body uniting protestant and orthodox faiths, and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity – representing the multi-billion member Roman Catholic Church.
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The 2005 annual week of prayer has been set for Jan 18-25, and the theme has been set for “All Things are Yours… You Belong in Christ … and Christ, the Unique Foundation, Belongs to God,,” from Paul’s letter to the church of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 3:1-23.
Oden, the ecumenical officer for the denomination’s Council of Bishops, and Pickens, top executive of the churchwide Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, wrote in their letter that they hope “the unity in Christ be made more visible through this very special week.”
In a separate statement to the United Methodist News Service, Oden said, “For more than 90 years, Christians have set aside time for prayer and reflection on their unity in Christ. We encourage United Methodists to join in this important celebration and observance."
"This is a foundational way for Christians to join together to promote peace," Pickens commented to the UMNS. "Christians across the world will come together in celebration of our unity in Christ."
For more information on the week or for resources, please visit: the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute of New York City at www.geii.org.
