Be-Longing: Praying for Unity amidst Injustice
For this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 Jan) we are guided by the churches of Minneapolis as we seek to explore how the work of Christian unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society. 2023 is also the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence, to be marked on Racial Justice Sunday on 12 Feb. The work of restoring hope through justice undertaken in Stephen’s memory continues to inspire and change lives for the better.
As we join with other Christians around the world for the Week of Prayer we pray that our hearts will be open to see and hear the many ways in which racism continues to destroy lives, and to discern the steps we can take as individuals and communities to heal the hurts and build a better future for everyone.
Materials for the Week of Prayer can be downloaded at https://ctbi.org.uk/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2023/ and for Racial Justice Sunday at https://ctbi.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday-2023-stephen-lawrence/
Churches Together in Cornwall will once again be broadcasting a daily reflection during the Week of Prayer, using these resources, at 12noon each day on YouTube (and available afterwards), led by church leaders from different traditions. These are also available below.
We would also love to know about anything that might be happening during the WPCU in your area so do please tell us so we can share and promote your event. We look forward to hearing from you or offering any support at all that you might need.
Daily Reflections for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023 from Churches Together in Cornwall
18 Jan: Day 1: Made in the image of God
Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro & Chair, Churches Together in Cornwall & Kathy Pope, Co-ordinator, Churches Together in Cornwall
19 Jan: Day 2: That They May Be One
Rev Loraine Mellor, Chair, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Methodist District & Rev Arlington Trotman, Supernumerary Methodist Minister Formerly: Secretary, Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice & Moderator, Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe
20 Jan: Day 3: Difference
John Diaper, Chair, Churches Together in Par
21 Jan: Day 4: Lament
Roger Mills, Editor, Churches Together in Cornwall & Sue Mills, Falmouth & Penryn Churches Together
22 Jan: Day 5: Holy Rage
Rev Ruth Whitehead, Moderator, South Western Synod, United Reformed Church
23 Jan: Day 6: Walking humbly in the way
Kathy Pope, Co-ordinator, Churches Together in Cornwall
24 Jan: Day 7: Agency
Rev Carl Smethurst, Regional Minister for Mission, South West Baptist Association & Kathy Pope, Co-ordinator, Churches Together in Cornwall
25 Jan: Day 8: Restoring hope through the work of justice
Rev Fr Michael Brandon, St Augustine of Hippo, St Austell
