The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Go and Do Likewise

As members of the Association of Interchurch Families, it feels essential for us to reflect on the the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and understand its impact on interchurch families. The #wpcu2024 provided us with valuable insights and lessons that we can apply to our own lives and within our association too, for we have in some, admittedly smaller but no less real way, been that “other” in some way.

First and foremost, the content of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity emphasized the importance of unity among Christian denominations. It reminded us that despite our differences in traditions, rituals, and beliefs, we are all children of God and are called to come together as one body of Christ, that we are to remember that ‘You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself’ (Lk 10:27). This message is particularly significant for interchurch families, where unity within marriages and families can sometimes be challenging due to differing denominational backgrounds, and where sometimes it has perhaps felt a little like being the Samaritan outsider within our home churches.

One key aspect of #wpcu2024 that resonated with me is the idea of mutual support and understanding. The week-long events and activities promoting dialogue and collaboration among various Christian communities, encouraging us to learn from one another and grow together in faith, to ‘Go out and do likewise’ for and with each other. As the Association of Interchurch Families, we can take this lesson to heart and foster an environment of open communication and understanding not just among our members, but more widely also, as we have always striven to do. By sharing our experiences and challenges, we can continue to provide support and guidance to others in similar relationships and situations to ourselves, but we too can reach further into the world, ultimately strengthening our own relationships and families, and those of the churches and communities around them. 

Furthermore, the content of #wpcu2024 also emphasized the need for advocacy and action towards Christian unity. It called for us to engage actively in efforts for reconciliation and building bridges between different Christian traditions. As an association, this is a call for us to play a continuing active role in promoting understanding and acceptance within our communities. 

Yes, we can of course organize events, conferences, and workshops that bring together interchurch families and provide a platform for dialogue and education as we have always done, but we can also look to outreach further. By working towards unity again on a local level too perhaps, we can contribute to the larger goal of Christian unity.

But it doesn’t have to stop there, for me this week - and especially the mention on BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day of interchurch families - emphasized the significance of interchurch families as witnesses to ecumenism. We have the continuing and growing opportunity to show others that unity between different Christian traditions is not only possible but can also be a great source of strength and enrichment. This realization should inspire us to be more active in our communities, engaging in interchurch - and yes, where we can, interfaith - dialogues and initiatives that promote understanding and collaboration. 

As the Association of Interchurch Families, it is crucial that we take these reflections seriously and translate them into action. We should continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with other Christian organizations, fostering relationships and partnerships that promote unity and ecumenical efforts, and furthermore, use our online platforms and social media presence to share our experiences and spread awareness about the realities of interchurch families. By doing so, we can challenge misconceptions, inspire others, and create a sense of belonging for those who may feel isolated in their faith journeys. 

In conclusion, reflecting on the content of #wpcu2024 has provided me with valuable insights and inspiration for us as the Association of Interchurch Families. It has spoken to me of the importance of unity, mutual support, and advocacy. I hope together we can take these lessons to heart and actively work towards promoting ever more deeper and valued unity within our families, our association, and the wider Christian community. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and understanding world for interchurch families whatever they may look like and, as they grow and change, we may need to broaden our vision and our style of doing things but isn't that depth and ability to change as we go exactly what being part of an interchurch family has always had at its heart anyway?

So I hope that we can rally together, drawing on these reflections, and work towards a future where interchurch families thrive, united in the faith and love of their personal relationships, and that we can continue to support and enhance the lives of all interchurch families and contribute to the broader Christian unity movement going forward.



 Melanie Carroll 
Executive Officer