theology and unity - archive
week of prayer
for Christian unity
2015
The Well is Deep
This year's theme comes to us from the churches of Brazil. Brazilians, who have traditionally been tolerant of their various social classes and ethnic groups, are now living through a time of growing intolerance made manifest in high levels of violence, especially against minorities and the vulnerable. The logic that undergirds this kind of behaviour is competition for the religious market. Increasingly, in Brazil, some Christian groups compete with one another for a place on the mass media, for new members and for public funds.
The Brazilian churches have begun to recognise that intolerance should be dealt with in a positive way - respecting diversity and promoting dialogue as a permanent path of reconciliation and peace in fidelity to the gospel. We can share this recognition. Although the competition between churches is less obvious in our islands, we are well aware that competition and violent discrimination lie beneath the surface of our lives together. Jesus challenges us to acknowledge that diversity is part of God's design, to approach one another in trust and to see the face of God in the face of all men and women.
Dates
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January - the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. However, some areas observe it at Pentecost or some other time. To allow for local decision making, the material has only the year on it and the days are denoted by the numbers one to eight, so you can use it at any time of year.
Christian Aid
Our partnership with Christian Aid continues with Christian Aid providing the Go and Do action points for each of the daily reflections - linking into the important work of Christian Aid in the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
Resources
The resources for 2015 are available as downloads from our resources page. There is also an order form to purchase the material in a published format.
Resources from 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are also still available to download.
Ecumenical services with Church leaders
Lambeth Palace, 19 January 2015
A service was held for Church leaders at Lambeth Palace with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The service was organised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) and led by the Revd Bob Fyffe, General Secretary of CTBI.
For a report on the service and to listen to the sermon delivered by Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Moderator of CTBI Trustees, see:
Televised service with Irish Church leaders
Sunday 18 January 2015
Church leaders from across a broad range of Christian traditions in Ireland joined together in a service broadcast by the RTÉ One television channel. The service was led by the Rev Dr Donald Watts, president of the Irish Council of Churches, and co-ordinated by the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Inter-Church Meeting.
You can watch the broadcast again on RTÉ One .