Ecumenism is an organic part of the Church’s life and work, and consequently must pervade all that it is and does. (cf. Ut unum sint, 20).
The Diocese of Broken Bay, a truly local Church where the Spirit flourishes, constantly prays the prayer of Christ that all may be one. It commits itself to exploring ways of recognising and celebrating the imperfect communion that already exists with other local churches and communities, and, on the basis of this recognition, of taking the next tentative steps towards full communion.
Through the Tri-Diocesan Covenant between the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, and the Catholic Dioceses of Broken Bay and Maitland-Newcastle, and the growing number of covenants between Christian communities in our region, we respond to the prayer of Jesus “that all may be one” (John 17; 11, 21).
World Day of Prayer: Friday 3 March 2023
The World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on the first Friday in March. It is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year.
In 2023, the host country will be Taiwan, and the theme will be "I have heard about your faith."
It is a movement:
- Initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions.
- Symbolised by an annual day of celebration – the first Friday of March – to which all people are welcome.
- Which brings together women of various races, cultures and traditions in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.
Services are held in a number of locations around the Diocese. Contact your parish for further information, or visit World Day of Prayer Australia Website
Week of Prayer For Christian Unity: 21 - 28 May 2023
The week between Ascension and Pentecost Sunday is dedicated each year to praying for Christian Unity, a week where we unite with other Christians to pray that all may be one, as Jesus desires.
This year's theme is "Do good; seek justice." Resources are available at https://www.ncca.org.au/faith-and-unity-resources
We pray: Gracious God, we pray for the Church, that all will be inspired to continue the quest for Christian Unity, and that our hearts be filled with the gift of Jesus’ love for all. We pray that all Christian Churches may continue to show one another extraordinary kindness in guiding them towards reconciliation and unity in Christ so that they are able to bear witness to the Gospel and bear abundant fruit. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Other Resources
A History of the Desire for Christian Unity, Volume: 1
Editor-in-Chief: Alberto Melloni; Editor: Luca Ferracci
A History of the Desire for Christian Unity is a multi-volume reference work on the history of ecumenism. The ecumenical movement is understood as a twentieth-century movement of European origin with a global reach. This reference work is a reconstruction of the arc of time in which the Christian churches transitioned from a position of hostility to one of dialogue, and from separation to forms of communion. Scholars across the continents and disciplines explore a history of individuals and groups, generations and assemblies, documents and programs, theologies and practices, all firmly placed within the framework of a desire for unity.
This first volume traces the long-term roots and reconstructs the historical, theological, and political junctures that marked the beginning of a distinctive movement that runs throughout the nineteenth and into the heart of the twentieth century. Published November 2021.
The Bishop and Christian Unity - On 4 December 2020, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity launched The Bishop and Christian Unity: An Ecumenical Vademecum. This document contains useful strategies and practical recommendations for promoting Christian unity in our Dioceses and parishes.
Called to Dialogue - A document on ecumenism and interreligious dialogue published by the World Council of Churches