ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, “a great opportunity”

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated January 18 to 25, is "a great opportunity for Christians to overcome their divisions. Unity begins through a seeking of the authentic faith, eliminating mistrust and prejudices, and remembering that we are called to be 'one' to witnessing the Resurrection of Christ.” This is what was stated in a note sent to Fides by Bishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, Chairman of the Commission for the Promotion of Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue, of the Bishops' Conference of Korea.
Bishop Kim Hee-joong wrote a message announcing the theme of the Week, "You will be witnesses of these things" (Luke 24:48) and invited all believers from local churches to organize, during the week, celebrations, meetings for reflection and comparison, moments of ecumenical fellowship, etc. to strengthen ties with other Christian communities of the territory.
In the message, Bishop Kim Hee-joong notes that "Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the two disciples of Emmaus did not witness to Christ in the same way. But in any case, the victory of Jesus over death was for all the heart of their testimony." This means that "Christians should pay more attention to their common profession of faith, to show their neighbor the faith they live in their lives." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/01/2010)