Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022
Theme
The theme for the 2022 Week of Prayer is ‘We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship him’ (Mt 2:2), taken from the account of the visit of the magi to pay homage to the infant king (Mt 2:1-12). It is a call to unity, of those from the North and the South, from the East and from the West, old and young, men and women.
Introduction
The story of the Magi visiting the Holy Family in Bethlehem is one very familiar to us. The Magi have sometimes been seen as a symbol of the world’s diversity – different religions and cultures – that comes to pay homage to the Christ–child. The story might therefore represent the unity of all created that God desires.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2022 has been prepared by the churches of the Middle East, the history of which was, and still is, characterised by conflict and strife, tainted with blood and darkened by injustice and oppression. The Christians of the Middle East offer these resources conscious that the world shares many of the travails and much of the difficulties that it experiences, and yearns for a light to lead the way to the Saviour who is the light that overcomes darkness.
Serving the Gospel today requires a commitment to the human being, especially the poorest, the weakest and those marginalised. It requires from the churches transparency and accountability in dealing with the world, and with each other. This means churches need to cooperate to provide relief to the afflicted, to welcome the displaced, to relieve the burdened, and to build a just and honest society. This is a call for churches to work together so that young people can build a good future according to God’s heart, a future in which all human beings can experience life, peace, justice, and love.
Resources from www.irishchurches.org
WPCU 2022 English accessible text only
WPCU 2022 Irish accessible text-only
WPCU 2022 Alternative liturgy – Irish
Services
Sunday, 16th January,
11am RTE ONE TV, Ecumenical Service in preparation for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This service was prepared a members of the Dublin Council of Churches.
Tuesday, 18th January,
8pm, in St. Anthony’s Parish Church, Clontarf the Dublin Ecumenical Opening Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place. The theme for this year has been chosen by the Middle East Council of Churches and it focuses on the Epiphany Story: “We have seen his star in the East”. Former Presbyterian Moderator Very Rev. Dr. Trevor Morrow will preach. Dublin Church leaders will be in attendance.
