While we give thanks, we must recognize that among Christians, we are still divided, and that disagreement on new anthropological and ethical subjects make our journey toward unity more complicated. However, we must not surrender to discouragement and resignation, but continue to trust in God who plants in the hearts of Christians the seeds of love and of unity, in order to confront with renewed momentum today’s ecumenical challenges: to cultivate spiritual ecumenism, to turn to advantage the ecumenism of blood, to walk together on the path of the Gospel.
Letter to the participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity.
- Pope Francis, January 18, 2014
The process of working toward Christian unity is a long and at times, a challenging journey. We have prayed for unity, setting aside a week of prayer for unity. It is easy to focus on what still divides. There are these issues, some more challenging than others. There are also signs that these weeks of prayer, are bearing fruit. We need to focus on what has been accomplished so far, and to use that to motivate further growth. We worship together on occasion. We work together in areas of social justice; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for those with mental illness. Small steps, but still steps. We need to pray for more.
Letter to the participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity.
- Pope Francis, January 18, 2014
The process of working toward Christian unity is a long and at times, a challenging journey. We have prayed for unity, setting aside a week of prayer for unity. It is easy to focus on what still divides. There are these issues, some more challenging than others. There are also signs that these weeks of prayer, are bearing fruit. We need to focus on what has been accomplished so far, and to use that to motivate further growth. We worship together on occasion. We work together in areas of social justice; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for those with mental illness. Small steps, but still steps. We need to pray for more.