p01-17:covers 23/01/2015 16:23 Page 11
news diary The Council of Churches Together in Crosby, which meets regularly and supports ecumenical events in the area, arrange a Service for Christian Unity each year during the annual Week of Prayer.
Celebration of Unity
Monsignor John Furnival (current Chair of the Council) suggested inviting the three Merseyside Church Leaders of the Catholic, Anglican and Free Churches to be present at the Unity Service on Sunday 18 January at 3.00 pm at the beginning of the Week of Prayer. That date was also observed as Peace Sunday. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Bishop Paul Bayes and Reverend Dr. Sheryl Anderson (Chair of the Methodist District) all happily agreed to attend and to give a 5 minute Address during the Service at St Peter and St Paul’s church, Crosby. The Service was attended by about 350 people from Crosby, Waterloo, Blundellsands and other areas and was based on that offered by the Brazilian Churches for this year’s Week of Prayer throughout the world. As part of this Service the Gospel story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John Chapter 5) was read and the three Church Leaders reflected on this. In addition they spoke movingly about the influences on their own formation and their ecumenical journey and how they owed so much to people of other denominations. The called for a deeper appreciation of ecumenism, continuing dialogue with one another and the need to reflect on what had already been achieved on the road to unity. They emphasised the need to act courageously to overcome traditional barriers and divisions in the churches and to move forward where possible.
The Service as a whole was very well received and all took part very enthusiastically. Refreshments were served in the Parish Hall afterwards where people could meet the Church Leaders more informally. £750 was raised in the retiring Collection for the victims of the Ebola Crisis. The event was a great encouragement to all who have ecumenism at heart and for the local churches which look for inspiration and guidance on the way ahead for Christian Unity.
Catholic Pictorial
11