Traditionally, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed from January 18-25 in the northern hemisphere but in other parts of the world it is observed around Pentecost. This year's theme is "They were astounded beyond measure, saying, 'He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.'" (Mark 7: 31-37).
A complete version of the annual brochure jointly produced by the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Catholic Church) is available here.
This year's Week of Prayer has its origins in the experience of Christian communities in the South African region of Umlazi, near Durban, a region deeply affected by unemployment and poverty but most of all by HIV/AIDS -- it is estimated that 50 percent of the residents of Umlazi are infected with the virus.
The theme of "breaking the silence" challenges cultural norms wherever matters relating to sexuality are "not to be spoken about." In Zulu, the term ubunqunu, literally "nakedness," indicates that these matters are taboo -- and this reluctance to break the silence is costing lives. For the churches in Umlazi carrying out their ministry under these circumstances, the "visible unity of all Christians" is far more than a theological concept. The churches can be and do become agents of healing only when they themselves are healed, when they are truly the one body of Christ.
The human suffering caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other dehumanizing forces threatens to overwhelm the divided churches. Christians and churches can, however, break the silence, speaking out with a single voice and reaching out as a single body, acting with compassion and in unity.
Week of Prayer resources include an introduction to the theme; a suggested ecumenical worship service which local churches are encouraged to adapt for their own particular liturgical, social and cultural contexts; biblical reflections and prayers for the "eight days"; and additional prayers from, and an overview of, the ecumenical situation in the particular country which has prepared the material -- in this case, South Africa.
Further information available at the World Council of Churches website.
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