The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international initiative where Christians worldwide are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). Locally, UniteBoston coordinates evening collaborative gatherings of fellowship, prayer and worship from January 18-25 annually.
This Year’s Theme: In 2025, Christians mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea, where key doctrinal disputes about the Trinity and the nature of Christ were resolved, resulting in the Nicene Creed—a foundational statement of Christian faith and unity. The Nicene Creed is the Christian “symbol” of agreed doctrine and also the statement of faith for UniteBoston. This commemoration invites Christians to celebrate what unites them through the Creed while reflecting on the divisions that still persist today.
Mark Your Calendars – You are invited to mark your calendars and plan to attend the evening gatherings! In this time of Epiphany, we encourage you to receive the manifestation of Jesus Christ through those of different denominations, races and cultures. Let’s make the most of these opportunities in order to truly be the family of God and serve as the body of Christ in the world. Let’s also pray with our feet – consider how our beliefs can come together in common action and witness.
Spread the Word – We also appreciate help spreading the word to people in your congregation, family, friends, and neighbors. A personal invitation goes a long way.
Calling to mind our common commitment to ‘love thy neighbor,’ may the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2025 be full of moments of conversion of heart through our encounters, so that “all may be one.”
Click above to watch a reflection on the significance of the Nicene Creed from Dr. Elizabeth M. Woodard, Catholic theologian, musician, author, speaker, spiritual director, and ecumenist. She is a member of our Christian unity cohort and considers her vocation as bringing people to God and to each other.
Resources for Your Week of Prayer Experience from The Initiative:
PDF Schedule for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Introduction on the Theme from Greymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Initiative
Schedule for Gatherings in Boston & New England
Saturday January 18 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service
11:00am to 1:00pm at Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road, Darien CT
Join pastoral leaders in Connecticut for liturgical prayer using the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship service.
Sunday January 19 – Love Casts Out Fear: An Inauguration Eve Vigil
5:00 to 7:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St. Downtown Boston, MA 02111 or via the Cathedral’s YouTube Channel
Join Episcopal Bishop Julia E. Whitworth and ecumenical leaders for this prayer service to hold sacred space for leaning into the Christian teaching that love casts out fear, the church stands with the marginalized, and love in practice looks like justice and peace.
Monday January 20 – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We encourage you to join into many different opportunities to remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Events listed with Meet Boston, City of Cambridge, or VisitMA.com
Various volunteer and service opportunities listed through Boston Cares and City Year
Tuesday January 21 – Noontime Prayer Gathering
12:00 to 1:00pm at Tremont Temple, 88 Tremont Street, Downtown Boston MA 02111
Join pastors and business leaders for a prayer gathering in downtown Boston for the good of the city. To RSVP or for more information, contact Craig Parker, craig.parker@navigators.org
Thursday January 23 – United in Mission Worship and Prayer Night
7:00 to 8:30pm at NewCity Church, 1135 Walnut St. Newton, MA 02461
Join us for a powerful worship and prayer night as we focus on the mission of the Church, coming together as one body to reflect the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:21 in alignment with the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Nicene Creed. Childcare will be provided!
Friday January 24 – Dorchester Neighborhood Dinner and Prayer
7:00 to 9:00pm at Cleo’s House near JFK/UMass in Dorchester
Join Cleopatra Muhammad for a meal, conversation, and prayer to celebrate what unites us in Jesus Christ and reflecting on the divisions that still persist today. Email Cleo at cmuhammad85@gmail.com to RSVP and for the address.
Sunday January 26 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service
7:00 to 9:00pm at Sanctuary at Woodville, 249 Wood St. Woodville MA, 01784
Join local ecumenical leaders in the Metrowest for liturgical prayer using this year’s International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship service. Scott Brill from The Initiative will be preaching.
Sunday February 9 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service
2:00 to 3:30pm at St Barbara’s Parish, 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn, MA 01801
Join local ecumenical leaders in Woburn for liturgical prayer using this year’s International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship service.
Photos from Previous Years
Yes, I totally agree about the ill effects by which denominationalism has divided Christians, Pastor Paul. Thanks so much for your support for UniteBoston and Christian unity – We look forward to seeing you at the neighborhood dinners!
!
Awesome, Barbara Anne! Be sure to RSVP using the form above and the neighborhood dinner host will be in touch with you about details for the dinner (address & time, etc). Thanks for joining in to UniteBoston!
Yes you did! The neighborhood dinner host will contact you with details about the neighborhood dinner that you signed up for. Thanks for being a part of UniteBoston!
This organization appears to meet a great need within Christian communities. I have attended one gathering so far and am impressed with the purpose and motives of UB. I look forward to further gatherings and activities.