This weekend we begin the Week of Christian Unity with the caption of ‘One Body, One Spirit’. It’s a week in which Christians of all denominations, across the world, ecumenically celebrate the unity of our faith in the cross of Christ.
We here in Ashbourne will be following the theme when, this Sunday, we welcome the Reverend Nicola Briggs, Methodist Minister, to preach at St Oswald’s, Reverend Dwayne has been invited to preach at Elim Church whilst one of their ministers will preach at the Methodist Service. This is a powerful and extraordinary reminder of how far our ecumenical relationships have come in a relatively short time. This unity is not merely a lofty ideal; it is essential for fulfilling Christ's mission in the world.
As St Pope John Paul II emphasized, the unity of Christ’s disciples is a condition for effectively proclaiming and consolidating faith in Him – Jesus. When we stand united, we bear witness to the love of God revealed in Christ, and we fulfil the prayer of Jesus, who asked the Father that we all may be one, so that the world may believe. We recognise today that we share real, if imperfect, unity.
The following Sunday at 6.30pm, St Oswald’s will host an evening Service in the style of Taizé to which folk from all denominations are welcome to come and participate in music, song and prayer, remembering that unity is essential and love is everything.
With blessings
Nigel