This Sunday (18 January) marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The annual event, which first began in 1908, helps strengthen ecumenical ties between denominations and encourage a sense of mutual support.
Archbishop Cushley said: “In Scotland we are blessed to share friendships with Christians of other traditions, friendships rooted not in convenience but in a genuine desire to follow Christ more faithfully.
“The Catholic Church in Scotland has officially acknowledged friendship with the Scottish Episcopal Church; The St Ninian Declaration reminds us of our shared witness, charity and service (see title image above and below video).
“The St Margaret Declaration, meanwhile, encourages honest and warm dialogue grounded in truth with our friends in the Church of Scotland.”
The St Margaret Declaration was signed at Dunfermline Abbey in 2022 by Dr Iain Greenshields, Archbishop Leo Cushley and Princess Anne (below).
He added: “These commitments do not gloss over sincerely held differences of the past or the present.
“Rather, we endeavour to see in each other a fellow disciple of Jesus of Nazareth, and to grow together in charity as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“We acknowledge real differences between our Churches, and we do so without fear, because friendship among Christians is not a threat to faith but a fruit of it.
“So we pray for unity by placing ourselves before Christ, asking that He deepen our love for His Church, strengthen our respect for one another, and lead us, in His time and by His grace, closer to the unity He desires.”
Resources
Download this year’s resources which have been adapted by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Sunday 18 January over eight days. Read the St Ninian Declaration here. Read the St Margaret Declaration here.
