CV NEWS FEED // The USCCB’s Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs exhorted Christians throughout the world to participate in the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins on January 18.
“Given the paralyzing nature of polarization and tragedy of war that have spread throughout our world today, the importance of living the love of Christ in our own circumstances cannot be overemphasized,” Committee Chairman Bishop Joseph Bambera stated in a recent press release.
According to the USCCB, each year’s theme is chosen by a different country to highlight the universality of Christianity. The 2024 theme—”you shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbor as yourself”—was chosen by the Christian Churches of Burkina Faso.
“The theme, taken from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, reflects the connection between love of God and love of neighbor with a particular concern for challenging the boundaries of who is considered ‘neighbor,’ the USCCB stated on the Week of Prayer website.
“In this pericope, Jesus is questioned as to the path to eternal life. His answer is not to only observe the commandments, but to also imitate the love of God in the giving of self for another. It is a call for charity, mercy, justice, and unity,” the bishops continued.
According to the USCCB, the Week of Prayer began in 1908 and since the Second Vatican Council, has been recognized by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches.
Bishop Bambera exhorted Christians in the United States to join the worldwide week of prayer by following a series of suggested Scripture readings and prayers.
“May Christians throughout our country come together across denominational lines to pray for peace in our world and an end to the sad divisions that prevent us from fully loving each other as Christ loves us all,” he said.
