ECUMENICAL PRAYER WEEK

One of the oldest ecumenical events in the world, the week of prayer, will be observed by Churches and Christian bodies in India from 18-25 January 2012.news

The “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, which concludes on January 25 first began in 1908 and promotes worldwide Christian unity. Ecumenism refers to initiatives aimed at greater Christian unity or cooperation. , the term ecumenism means the Christian unity in the literal meaning: that there should be a single Christian Church. Not to be confused with many denominations in the Church. 

The general understanding of the Ecumenical movement is that it came from the Catholic church attempt to reconcile with Christians who had separated over theological issues, The world war II had brought much devastation to many people. The church became a source of hope to those in need. In 1948 the first meeting of the World Council of Churches took place. The focus of the church and the council following the gathering was on the damage created by the second World War. The council and the movement went forward to continue the efforts of unity the church globally around the idea of helping all those in need whether it be a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. The movement led to an understanding among the churches that despite difference they could join together to be an element of great change in the world. To be an agent of hope and peace amongst the chaos and destruction that humans seem to create.

Now the world is badly affected by the economic crisis.it has damaged the minds of the people. People have trust in the church that the church will do something.news The church has to respond for the need of the people. For that the church must be united.