Faith
Church Leaders Gather, Pray for Christian Unity
Faith Facts
- Church leaders held an ecumenical service in Iznik, Turkey, marking 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea.
- Pope Leo XIV, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay attended, highlighting Christian unity in today’s divided world.
- A joint declaration called for renewed steps toward unity and peace, rooted in enduring Christian faith.
The gathering of church leaders in the historic town of Nicaea demonstrated a strong call for reconciliation among Christians. Their presence honored the legacy of faith set by the early church fathers at the council.
Pope Leo XIV urged Christians worldwide to become a model of unity and peace, echoing Christ’s teachings.
“In this way, we are all invited to overcome the scandal of the divisions that unfortunately still exist, to nurture the desire for unity for which the Lord Jesus prayed and gave his life,” he said.
Patriarch Bartholomew spoke of hope that springs from remembering the steadfast faith of Nicaea’s founders.
“We are here to bear living witness to the same faith expressed by the fathers of Nicaea,” he said.
Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay shared Jesus’ prayer for unity from John 17, emphasizing the biblical foundation for this pursuit.
“That they all shall be one, just as you, my Father, are in me, and I am in you.”
The joint declaration signed by the two leaders affirmed the significance of Christian unity as vital for peace among nations.
“The goal of Christian unity includes the objective of contributing in a fundamental and life-giving manner to peace among all peoples.”
Even in challenging times, their message remains one of faith, hope, and assurance that God sustains His people.
“God will not abandon humanity,” they add.
In standing together, these leaders uplifted the faithful and invited all believers to pray for unity, grounded in Christ’s eternal truth and love for every nation.