Message from the CCEE Presidency to European Christians on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

To mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 January 2014), the Presidency of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE), meeting in Genoa (Italy), has addressed an appeal to European Christians to work for a common witness in the various sectors of society.
 
“Is Christ Divided?” is the theme chosen this year by the inter-denominational organising committee for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 January 2014).
Is Christ divided is an invitation not to use Christ to justify our misunderstandings and our divisions. Christ is not owned by anyone, but gives himself. The search for and acceptance of the Christian message can only lead to a common witness, to the recognition and welcome of the gifts which the Lord has desired to give to each of his faithful as gifts of the whole Church.
Is Christ divided is a challenge to deliver the proclamation of salvation for humanity in all its integrity. It is a challenge not to close the figure of the God made man in representations, which do not affect or justify our conveniences.
Is Christ divided is a stimulus for our evermore multi-denominational societies in Europe, for a common testimony to God’s closeness to contemporary humanity.
Is Christ divided is an appeal to European people not to separate out the religious dimension of their faith into the public and private spheres, and not to disdain the gift of life, by deciding alone which lives are worth living and which are not, and not allowing themselves to be guided by false delusions, but to make room for hope.
Finally, that Christ cannot be divided is a certainty that nothing can ever divide the love God has for humanity.
 
The CCEE Presidency looks carefully at the situation in Syria, especially the one of the Christian communities, and joins the Holy Father in prayer for peace.