Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starts Wednesday

Churches and Christian bodies in India will observe the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" from 18-25 January 2012.

One of the oldest and most observed ecumenical events in the world, the Week of Prayer first began in the year 1908 and promotes worldwide Christian unity.

This year, the ecumenical service for the Week of Prayer comes from Poland, where an ecumenical group has written a liturgy that draws on the experience of Polish Christians.

The theme is based on the biblical passage from Corinthians - "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Encouraging churches and Christian organisations to observe the event, the head of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), Rev Roger Gaikwad, in a letter emphasized the need for unity among churches.

"Christian unity is necessary for witness to the gospel. Christian unity is also essential for addressing challenges which churches encounter in pluralistic society. It facilitates fellowship, empowerment and joy of all disciples of Jesus Christ," wrote Rev Gaikwad.

"Therefore, I urge to come together for prayer as we celebrate the Week for Christian Unity. Remember the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21 'that they may all be one'."

The NCCI, along with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches has jointly prepared and published a resource booklet that contains an Order of Worship, Biblical Reflections and Prayers for eight days.

The year's text is dedicated to the memory of Monsignor Eleuterio Francesco Fortino, Under Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Fortino was also a long serving member of the International Committee for the preparation of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.