Jabalpur: The Diocese of Jabalpur witnessed a renewed and heartfelt appeal for Christian unity as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concluded with a strong message of togetherness rooted in common faith and hope. The observance served as a reminder that, despite denominational diversity, Christians are bound by a shared calling and a single hope in Christ.
This year’s reflections were centred on the biblical theme, “There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4). Throughout the week, believers were invited to look beyond institutional differences and rediscover their collective identity as members of one body in Christ, committed to walking together in faith.
As part of the octave, joint prayer services were organized in various churches across Jabalpur, drawing participation from the Catholic Church, the Church of North India, the Methodist Church, and other Christian denominations. These gatherings fostered a spirit of fellowship and mutual respect, while also highlighting the shared responsibility of Christians to offer a united witness in the wider society.
The concluding prayer service, held at Holy Trinity Church, stood as a powerful symbol of ecumenical harmony. Church leaders, addressing the faithful, emphasized that genuine unity does not arise from uniform structures, but from sincere prayer, open dialogue, and a common commitment to the Gospel. The participation of bishops, clergy, and lay faithful from different traditions reflected the growing trust and cooperation among Christian communities in the region.
Faithful were encouraged to sustain the bonds formed during the week and to ensure that the spirit of unity extends beyond prayer into tangible acts of collaboration, service, and shared mission. The message was clear that unity must find expression in everyday Christian witness and social engagement.
The Week of Prayer concluded with a reaffirmation that, while traditions and practices may differ, Christians in Jabalpur stand united through one baptism, one calling, and one hope in Christ. Strengthened by this shared foundation, the churches renewed their resolve to journey forward together as one body and one spirit.