UniteBoston

Bridging Divides Across Christians for the Flourishing of the City

Christian Unity in the News

It’s the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity!

Pope Francis Embraces The Rev. Martin Junge, General Secretary Of The Lutheran World Federation, During An Ecumenical Prayer Service At The Lutheran Cathedral In Lund, Sweden, Oct. 31. (CNS Photo/Paul Haring)
Caption: Pope Francis Embraces The Rev. Martin Junge, General Secretary Of The Lutheran World Federation, During An Ecumenical Prayer Service At The Lutheran Cathedral In Lund, Sweden, Oct. 31. (CNS Photo/Paul Haring)

Below are a few articles that have been published in the past week related to Christian unity.

We look forward to seeing you at the prayer gatherings hosted by a diverse cross-section of Christian churches around the city, nightly from January 18 to 25. All are welcome!

week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-1

Pope Francis and the Evangelicals by Bishop Robert Barron

“Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”

Events Mark Week of Prayer for Christian Unity  posted on the front of the Boston Pilot, and includes a full schedule of the prayer gatherings

“Only full unity between us is enough. Only full unity is true to the nature of the Triune God as communion. Only full unity obeys the will of Jesus, and therefore loves Him. Only full unity is the goal set by our Church’s teachings. Only full unity honors the bond of our Baptism and eternal relation in Christ. Only full unity is coherent with the message of the Gospel of reconciliation. Only full unity empowers our compassion and unfetters our evangelization.”

Commemorating the Reformation: Churches Looking Towards 2017 – And Beyond by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, who directs the Paulist North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in Boston

“This anniversary is an unparalleled opportunity for both church leaders and laity to enter into the process of healing and reconciliation at both juridical and grassroots levels. It is important that we capitalize on this opportunity to render more effective the mission and witness in the world of a Christendom united.”

The Protestant Reformation: Positive Aspects by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, who directs the Paulist North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in Boston

“The question before both Catholics and Protestants today is: What does it mean to be church, and how may we live together as church in ways that better manifest our unity?”

“A Protestant-Catholic common commemoration presents us with the opportunity to offer a joint witness of faith.”

UniteBoston Fundraiser – We did it!

15384495_10154832076663035_2647598312623361854_o

We did it! We met our $10,000 goal at our second annual fundraiser last night – including a matching gift of $2500 for new monthly donors – Thanks for everyone who has contributed to this movement in so many ways. Now, let’s go Unite Boston!

Here are some photos from the evening:

15493571_10154832075133035_8052330694022974368_o

15440411_10154832076823035_3802738660957127110_o

15384544_10154832076963035_8767854922660316085_o

15418338_10154832077073035_7558652311057868862_o

15391356_10154832076608035_2098366887834451919_o 15385396_10154832074813035_2804742200661292565_o 15385274_10154832077658035_4218422747576535169_o 15370083_10154832072898035_415955670612218643_o 15440569_10154832077033035_6565284849857555448_o
img_1866-1

img_1865-1
15493769_10154832073908035_5789645984049541433_o

15493246_10154832075978035_1374384243910797716_o

Check out more photos on our FaceBook Album Here 

Statement of Prayer from the Black Ministerial Alliance

A Statement of Prayer from the Black Ministerial Alliance for our Community, our City, our Commonwealth and our Country.
 
After an extremely challenging election season – not for just the candidates, but for the nation as a whole- the voting is over but the pain, the anxiety and the deep concerns still remain across our nation and right here in the City of Boston.

 

Today, as I pray over what we see happening across the country in the aftermath of the election, I know today many citizens are hurting in our churches, in our community, in our City and, yes, our country and that the days, weeks, and even the months ahead will be difficult for many.

 

In this time of great uncertainty, I want to encourage all of us to take comfort and to stand on the infallible Word of God.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, I admonish us to not “be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
As the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, we want to assure the residents of Boston that we are praying for you. We are praying that God will comfort, strengthen and heal those who are broken and hurting.  Our prayer is that both those who are celebrating, as well as those who are protesting, will come to experience the peace and presence of God about the election. Now, more than ever, we need to heed the admonition of the Prophet Jeremiah to pray for the peace of the City and, may I add, our nation.

 

So, we will stand in prayer with faith leaders, community leaders and the faith community at large as we pray for the peace of our city and our nation. We will look to the hills whence cometh our help; for our help comes from the Lord.  Remember that we serve a sovereign God Who remains on the Throne. Though the results of this election have taken many by surprise, our Heavenly Father has not lost control.

 

The Word of God reminds us that, “He [God] changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:21) (ESV). We pray that God will continue to watch over the United State of America in this time of transition.  Our prayer is that God will indeed give wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to our current president, Barak Obama, and to the president-elect, Donald Trump.

 

Let us take courage in the words of that great Christian hymn, “Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you!”
———————————————————————————————
 
For a downloadable statement of prayer, please click here.
Written by Rev. Arlene Hall, President of the Black Ministerial Alliance

Boston Conference to Support Importance of Sabbath

Hey! UniteBoston is one of the supporting ministries for an upcoming conference on October 27th called “The Regenerative Sabbath.” 

Check out this article from “The Pilot,” where Rev. Dr. Rodney Peterson says, “What’s exciting about this is the way Catholics and Evangelicals and Orthodox and all sorts of Christians are working together to uphold the fundamental commandment to keep holy the Sabbath.”

Come and join us for this month’s UniteBoston meetup! RSVP to UB Meetup through the Facebook event  and by emailing Kelly kelly@uniteboston.com so you can find our group!

 

 

Boston – A City Radical in the Best Way

Our friends at the Emmanuel Gospel Center were featured on an article on Movement Day! Movement Day is a catalytic event designed to transform the world’s cities by focusing on impacting today’s urban issues through the Gospel, and collaborative leadership.

The article mentions how committed ministry leaders in Boston are to Christian unity: “Many of Boston’s denominational and church leaders are passionate about unity and are sharing life and discipleship across orthodox, pentecostal, catholic and evangelical congregations. In fact, many churches blend the best from various church traditions. This is a trend that is taking traction in other cities, and Boston will surely provide fascinating models for unity.”

Praise God! Click on the graphic below to read the full article.

http://movementday.com/boston-a-city-radical-in-the-best-way/


Give to Further Christian Unity

DONATE!