By: James Rehmat
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 18 – 25 January, observed annually by churches around the world, is a profound reminder of Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). This week invites Christians from every denomination to come together in a spirit of repentance, reflection, and renewed commitment to unity. In Pakistan, a country with a small but vibrant Christian community, this call for unity holds particular significance. Faced with challenges such as religious intolerance, socio-economic disparity, and systemic injustice, the divided church in Pakistan must embrace its role in fostering justice, bearing prophetic witness, and engaging in social services for the betterment of all.
The Christian community in Pakistan is diverse, consisting of Catholic, Protestant, and evangelical denominations, as well as smaller indigenous church movements. While this diversity reflects the richness of the Christian tradition, it has often been accompanied by divisions in theology, practice, and leadership. Denominational boundaries sometimes overshadow shared identity in Christ, creating barriers to collective action.
This fragmentation within the church mirrors the broader social and political divides in Pakistan. As a minority group, Christians face systemic discrimination and often occupy the lowest rungs of the socio-economic ladder. Challenges such as bonded labor, lack of access to quality education, and religiously motivated violence disproportionately affect the community. In such a context, the lack of church’s unity has direct implications for its ability to respond effectively to the needs of its people and to act as a transformative force in society.
The divided church in Pakistan has a unique and urgent role to play as a witness to God’s justice and love. Unity does not mean erasing denominational identities but coming together in shared purpose and vision. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity provides a powerful platform to demonstrate this unity. Joint prayer services, shared liturgies, and interdenominational events during this week can serve as a visible sign of reconciliation and collaboration.
When Christians unite across denominational lines, they embody the gospel’s message of hope and peace. This unity becomes a prophetic witness, challenging societal norms of division and exclusion. It sends a strong message to the broader society that, despite their differences, Christians are committed to standing together for justice, truth, and dignity. This witness is particularly powerful in Pakistan, where acts of solidarity can inspire hope and courage among other marginalized communities.
Justice is a central theme of the Christian faith, rooted in the belief that every human being is made in the image of God and deserving of dignity and fairness. In Pakistan, the church is called to advocate for justice not only for its own community but for all who are oppressed. This includes addressing issues such as bonded labor, gender-based violence, and discrimination against religious minorities.
A divided church struggles to be an effective advocate for justice. However, when churches work together, pooling their resources, expertise, and networks, they can amplify their voice and impact. Joint advocacy campaigns, interdenominational commissions on social justice, and collaborative partnerships with civil society organizations are practical ways to live out this calling. During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, churches can highlight these efforts, reminding their congregations of their shared responsibility to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
Diakonia, or social service, is another vital aspect of the church’s mission. In Pakistan, where many Christians live in poverty and lack access to basic services, the church’s role in providing education, healthcare, and social support is indispensable. Yet, fragmented efforts often result in duplication of services and missed opportunities for greater impact.
Unity in Social Services can transform the church’s outreach. By working together, denominations can establish joint initiatives such as community schools, vocational training centers, and healthcare clinics. They can also collaborate on disaster relief efforts, as seen during the devastating floods that have affected the country in recent years. These acts of service not only meet immediate needs but also reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways, building trust and goodwill among both Christians and non-Christians.
Despite the clear benefits of unity, achieving it is not without challenges. Deep-seated theological differences, historical grievances, and competition for resources can hinder collaboration. Additionally, the socio-political context in Pakistan often pressures Christians to focus inward, prioritizing survival over broader engagement.
Overcoming these challenges requires intentional effort and humility. Church leaders must prioritize dialogue and reconciliation, seeking to build relationships of trust and mutual respect. Education and formation programs, particularly for youth, can play a crucial role in fostering a culture of ecumenism. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ideal time to initiate such efforts, providing a sacred space for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
The divided church in Pakistan has a unique opportunity to be a beacon of hope and transformation. By embracing the call to unity, it can become a powerful force for justice, a credible witness to God’s love, and a faithful servant to the marginalized. This vision aligns with the broader goals of the global ecumenical movement, which seeks to heal divisions within the body of Christ and work together for the common good.
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed in churches across Pakistan, it is a time to dream of a church that is united in purpose, vibrant in witness, and tireless in service. It is a time to recommit to the gospel’s call to be salt and light in the world, shining brightly even in the face of adversity.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is more than an event; it is a call to action. In Pakistan, a divided church cannot afford to remain divided in the face of overwhelming challenges. Unity is not merely an ideal but a necessity for the church to fulfill its mission of justice, witness, and Diakonia.
Through prayer, dialogue, and collaboration, the church in Pakistan can rise to this challenge, embodying the unity for which Christ prayed. As Christians join hands in prayer and service, they offer a powerful testimony to the world: that love is stronger than hate, unity is greater than division, and hope can overcome despair. Let this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity be a turning point, inspiring the church in Pakistan to live out its calling with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith.
About the Author:
The writer is a faith-based development practitioner, leading to the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development, based in Lahore, Pakistan.