Archbishop MacNeil encourages ecumenism

Dear Friends in Christ:

Christian unity receives special attention every January and will hopefully carry on the following 11 months.

The Second Vatican Council teaches that the restoration of full visible communion among all Christians is the will of Christ and that it is essential to the life of the Catholic Church.

Concern for restoring unity pertains to the whole Church, faithful and clergy alike. The commitment to ecumenism is a duty of the Christian conscience enlightened by faith and guided by love.

The ecumenical coordinators of the participating churches are organizing a prayer service. It will take place Sunday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, 10035-103 St. I invite you to advertise this event and encourage parishioners to support it.

Joint prayer services can serve as the catalyst leading to unity.

Christian Unity Week officially begins on Sunday Jan. 24 and ends on Sunday Jan. 31, 1999. You are encouraged to promote Christian unity both at the parish level and in your immediate community with other churches wherever possible.

May the love of Christ motivate you in our joint ecumenical endeavours.

J. N. MacNeil
Archbishop of Edmonton

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter