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 January
18-25, 2010
"You Are Witnesses of These Things".
(Luke 24.48)
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During the past century reconciliation among
Christians has taken on very different forms. Spiritual ecumenism
has shown how important prayer is for Christian unity. Great
energy has been put into theological dialogue which has led
to a greater degree of doctrinal consensus. Practical cooperation
between churches in the social field has given birth to fruitful
initiatives. Alongside these major accomplishments, the question
of mission has had a particular place. It is generally held
that the 1910 World Mission Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland
marked the beginnings of the modern ecumenical movement.
To honor the 100th anniversary of this foundational
event in the history of the ecumenical movement it was natural
for the promoters of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
- The World Council of Churches' Faith and Order Commission
and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity -
to invite the Scottish churches to prepare the scriptural
theme for the 2010 Week of Prayer at the same time that they
were actively involved in preparations for the anniversary
of the 1910 Conference in Scotland and its theme of "Witnessing
to Christ today". In response, the churches suggested
as the theme for the 2010 Week of Prayer "You are Witnesses
of These Things". (Luke 24.48)
May we truly be the witnesses we are
called to be as once again we pray and work for the unity
of all, joining our prayer to that of the Lord Jesus Christ,
"that all may be one" (John 17:21).
Rev. Thomas Ferguson PhD.,
The Episcopal Church
Associate Deputy for Ecumenical and
Interreligious Relations
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Rev. Robina Marie Winbush
Associate Stated Clerk and Director
Department of Ecumenical
and Agency Relations
Presbyterian Church (USA)
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Rev. James Massa
Executive Director, Secretariat of
Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs
United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops
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Rev. Donald J. McCoid
Executive for Ecumenical and
Inter-Religious Relations, ELCA
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Rev. Lydia Veliko
Ecumenical Officer
United Church of Christ
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Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
Seventh Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr.
General Secretary
General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns
The United Methodist Church
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