Nebraska Synod ELCA

The Rev. H. Ashley Hall, Ph.D.

The Week of Christian Prayer for Christian Unity invites Christians to remind ourselves of the fundamental unity we already share through Jesus Christ. This week of intentional prayer and fellowship is an opportunity to celebrate the gift of Baptism and the grace of the Holy Spirit working through the one holy catholic and apostolic Church we profess in the Creeds. Especially as Lutherans, the week emphasizes what we profess in the Augsburg Confession: the true Church is wherever “the gospel is taught purely, and the sacraments are administered rightly” (Article 7).

There are two opportunities to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Historically, it is celebrated between January 18-25. In the southern hemisphere, it has been celebrated between the moveable festival days of Ascension and Pentecost. The dates are chosen to match the theme of each week: the “unity within diversity” of Christian expressions of faith. In the liturgical calendar, January 18 is the commemoration of the Confession of St. Peter (see Mark 8:27-30; Matthew 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-21). January 25 is the commemoration of the Conversion of St. Paul (Act 9:1-9). Sts. Peter and Paul are the two greatest apostles of the early Church, and both were martyrs for the faith. In church art, they are often depicted side by side (perhaps in stained glass or on the reredos of an altar). They even share a feast day together (June 29). In selecting these commemorative dates, we are reminded of the unity Peter and Paul shared despite their different perspectives and priorities. We know from Scripture that these two did not always see eye to eye (and even raised their voices at each other from time to time; see Acts 15 and Galatians 2:11-21)! But their differences were always secondary to their shared, primary goal: to make known Christ crucified and risen. Their own faithfulness to let no disagreement obscure the good news of Jesus endures as a model for us in the midst of our own Christian divisions. Likewise, the same theme is highlighted in the alternative dates. Between the Ascension of Jesus and the Feast of Pentecost (40 and 50 days after Easter, respectively) we are reminded of the rich diversity of people and perspectives united in one proclamation. On whichever date the Week of Prayer is celebrated, the goal and blessing are the same.

The Week of Prayer was first established in 1908 by Episcopalians in the United States and grew quickly into a global, ecumenical movement. Since the 1960s, the World Council of Churches has produced a theme and liturgy for each year. This year, the liturgy highlights our unity through the Nicene Creed and the hope of resurrection in Jesus Christ (find the link to the resources HERE). This year also happens to be the 1,700^th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. The synod ecumenism committee is planning synod-wide celebrations with our Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox siblings using these resources.

This is a great opportunity for our congregations to reach out to other Christians in their community, making real and manifest the unity already given to us in Christ Jesus, expressing a love in Christ Jesus that transcends our differences of doctrine and piety. Perhaps common work of community service could be highlighted or initiated. All it takes is an invitation; the liturgical resources are already provided and the promise of Jesus has already been proclaimed!

Ashley Hall is an Associate Professor of Theology and Chair of the Department of Theology at Creighton University. He also serves part-time as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at Kountze Memorial (Omaha).