The highs and lows of ecumenism





This year the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrates its 100th Birthday. An important date, because without prayer there can be no progress towards church unity, said the Vatican "Minister of Ecumenism" Cardinal Walter Kasper to Vatican Radio. All the more important is the prayer when there are "atmospherics", such as those last year after the ecumenically controversial Vatican document on the understanding of the Church.

"Of course, there are, like in all things, human highs and lows. There are always disappointments. But we can be convinced that if we are in and with Jesus Christ and in his name pray that this prayer will be met in a way, that he wants and when and how and where he wants. "

The Prayer Week, is not only an internal matter, it is also the concern of the world.

"The ecumenical movement was from the beginning associated with the peace movement, and so we are , in this year in particular, to think of the situation in the Near East, where, as it were, the Church is at home, and where they are currently in great distress."

Comments

Ed said…
A young Australian Man (Sam Clear) is currently walking around the world asking all Christians to pray for Christian Unity. To have a look at his journey so far (from Brazil to Russia in 12 months), have a look at www.ymt.com.au/walk4one