This Sunday marks the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian unity which runs from 16 – 23 May this year.

The dream for Christian unity is that the Christian Churches from around the globe can be a sign of the unity that Jesus himself appeals for in John’s gospel (John 17:21). Of course unity does not mean uniformity and there must be room in the ecumenical movement for individual Churches to express their own particular insights, to continue their own particular practices and for the Church to exist as a unity in diversity. This diversity exists in cultural expression, liturgical rite, and the various ministries that are gospel inspired.

There are many ways too, in which unity can be achieved. There is nothing like joining forces and working together in practical cooperation through our religiously inspired traditions. Over the years across our parishes there has been great collaboration between churches in working for the plight of asylum seekers and refugees. These collaborative efforts are a road to unity. They manifest Christ himself as the one who calls and unites us.

Dialogue is another way to the development of Christian unity and there are many levels of dialogue going on across our Churches where traditional points of difference are gaining greater clarity and do not have to be seen as that which keeps us apart. The National Council of Churches in Australia has many examples of these discussions and how they are assisting in growth to unity.

However, this week is not particularly about practical cooperation, or dialogue or study but specifically about prayer for Christian unity. This year’s week of prayer has been prepared by the Grandchamp Community. Grandchamp is a monastic community in Switzerland that brings together sisters from different churches and various countries. They live a life of prayer, unity and hospitality where everyone is welcome.

The community of Grandchamp has prepared biblical reflections and prayers for the next eight days. You are invited during the next week to pick up these reflections and prayers as you are able. Perhaps you can make a daily commitment. Perhaps you might pick one or two days of the week and enter into this time of prayer. You may even gather with one or two others to pray together for Christian unity.

Christian unity is both a gift and a task for Christian communities to work towards.

Let’s hope and pray that this week of unity will be one step more towards a united Christianity.

By Brendan Reed