THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY: 18-25 JANUARY 2026
To my surprise and delight, over coffee after a morning service at St Stephen’s, I found myself in a group discussion with Christians from different denominations. We were members of the Romanian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Methodist Churches, with a Quaker School former pupil. What a wonderful example of St Stephen’s embracing Christians from diverse backgrounds and making them welcome within the Anglican tradition.
The Church has a history of separating into denominations over disagreements concerning beliefs and practices. More recently, strong stirrings of conscience in Christianity about its divisions, inspired an ecumenical spirit to challenge this disunity. Consequently, in 1908, ‘The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ was initiated. Its aim was not uniformity, but a common commitment to the core truths of Christianity, an invitation to draw upon our shared Christian heritage, reflect on our fellowship in Christ and learn from Christians in all denominations and countries. John Wesley (1703-1791) had encouraged Christian fellowship by saying, ‘If we cannot think alike, at least let us love alike.’ In 1948, the World Council of Churches offered a forum in which churches may work together in the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding. The Roman Catholic Church has observer status but is not a member. In October 2025, a remarkable ecumenical moment creating history, took place in the Sistine Chapel when King Charles, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, publicly prayed with Pope Leo XIV.
May 2026’s theme for unity from Ephesians 4:4 inspire us all:
‘There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.’
Heather Savini
