Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Fides Service) - “When two or three are gathered in my name I am there among them“ (Mt 18.20) the Gospel passage chosen for this year’s annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18 - 25 January is the title of a message issued by the Korean Bishops’ Commission for Ecumenical Dialogue. The message, signed by the Commission chairman Bishop Hyginus Kim Hee-jong auxiliary of Kwangju encourages Christians in Korea to pray that the Holy Spirit will give them the strength to make another step towards Christian unity. “The Church - the message says - must be the first to show and witness to unity if she is to be for the world a sign of unity between God and mankind and the unity of all men and women”.
Referring to Korea, where there are Catholics and other Christians, the message says: “Christians in Korea, Catholics and Protestants are committed to working for unity. They should strive for unity in prayer, before discussing doctrinal matters. Moreover Christians should realise that unity is a gift of God.”
Ecumenical activity, the Bishop said, should be a priority, part of the Church’s essential mission, not only an event to celebrate once a year. Cooperation among different Christian confessions at the spiritual level is fundamental for reaching the desired full communion. The Bishop said he hoped the ecumenical spirit would take deep root in hearts and become part of daily life for all Christians and be characterised by forgiveness and reconciliation. (Agenzia Fides 17/1/2006 righe 25 parole 257)
