Archbishop Philip Tartaglia has highlighted the plight of persecuted Christians around the world and promoted the importance of justice, peace and the relief of poverty, as he encouraged Scotland’s Catholics to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014.

The annual week of prayer for Christian Unity— from 18th January until 25th January — has as its the theme: “Has Christ Been Divided?” which has its origins in 1 Corinthians 1:1-17.

In a message to Catholic parishes, Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, asks the Faithful ‘to join with other Christians in your area in acts of worship and prayer for the unity of Christians,’ and adds that he will participate and preach at an ecumenical act of worship in Eastwood Parish Church, organised by Shawlands Churches Together.

The archbishop’s words reflect those of Pope Francis, who, in his prayer intentions for January 2014, spoke of his hope that ‘Christians of diverse denominations may walk toward the unity desired by Christ.’

“These acts of common prayer on the part of Christians in a local area, although they seem little, remain important,” Archbishop Tartaglia said. “They present an opportunity to pray for the many Christians around the world who are being persecuted on account of their faith. In a time when the search for truth is slow to bear fruit, the ecumenism of prayer and witness is even more important.”

A booklet of resources can be downloaded, using the link below.