christian unity – Page 2

Jan 23 2026

Holy Hour in Christian Unity

Join fellow local Christians on Thursday February 12 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm to worship, pray and adore Jesus as we seek greater unity in the body of Christ.

Hosted by St. Mary’s Hakuna – a community dedicated to a joyful “Eucharistic lifestyle” – and in partnership with UniteBoston, who nurtures unity among diverse Christians through relationships for the flourishing of the city. Join us to worship Jesus together as one body, followed by an informal social hangout!

RSVP is not required, but if you know you will attend, please RSVP here to help gauge food and drink for afterwards. Also, parking is available at the church!

“All who accept Christ as Lord and Savior are brothers and sisters in Christ. Evangelicals and Catholics are brothers and sisters in Christ. We have not chosen one another, just as we have not chosen Christ. He has chosen us, and he has chosen us to be his together. However imperfect our communion with one another, however deep our disagreements with one another, we recognize that there is but one church of Christ. There is one church because there is one Christ and the church is his body” – The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium, FirstThings, May 1994

“True Christian unity, we believe, is not so much a goal to be achieved as a gift to be received”

“As Evangelicals and Catholics, we pray that our unity in the love of Christ will become ever more evident as a sign to the world of God’s reconciling power”.

*The four statements are The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium, 1994, The Gift of Salvation, 1997, Your Word is Truth, 2002 and The Communion of Saints, 2003. All can be found on Firsthings.com

Jan 21 2026

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

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: Drawing from the resilience and liturgical richness of the Christians of Armenia—Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical—this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites us to reflect on Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” As the first nation to officially embrace Christianity in 301 CE, Armenia offers a profound witness to unity that has survived centuries of persecution and displacement. The materials for 2026 highlight that our shared identity is rooted in a ancient covenant, symbolized by the safe arrival of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat and the promise of the rainbow. By focusing on our common vocation and the “one hope” of salvation, we are challenged to move beyond historical divisions toward a conversion of heart, practicing a unity that embraces diversity while remaining steadfast in the love and mission of Christ.

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.

UB Board Devotionals – This year for the Week of Prayer, the UniteBoston Board and Staff will be sharing video devotional and prayers, which will be shared on our social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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.”

Resources for Your Week of Prayer Experience

Litany for Christian Unity

Christian Unity Daily Prayer Guide – Created by the Greymoor Institute or The Initiative

Introduction on the Theme from Greymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Initiative

As you are able, please also share this invitation with other churches and communities in your network so that more communities may gather to pray at this pivotal time in our country and city.

Schedule for Gatherings in Boston & New England

*All events are free and open to all.*

Thurs January 15 – Taizé Prayer with the Sisters of St. Joseph

7:00 to 7:45pm at Motherhouse Chapel of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 637 Cambridge St, Brighton, MA 02135

Taizé prayer is a simple form of Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence, and song based on the daily prayer of the religious community in Taizé, France. As women rooted in the Gospel whose mission is to deepen relationships with God and neighbor, the Sisters of St. Joseph invite you to join in praying for unity and love in our world and in our own hearts.

Mon January 19 – 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. Various volunteer and service opportunities listed through Boston Cares and City Year.

Tues January 20 – Tuesday Noontime Prayer

12:00 to 1:00pm at Currie Chapel, Tremont Temple Baptist Church, 88 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02108

Based on the model of the 19th century noontime city prayer meetings preceding the Third Great Awakening, the Navigators host a noontime prayer meeting at Tremont Temple Baptist Church every Tuesday. We gather to offer prayers of adoration and supplication with an emphasis on awakening and revival in the city of Boston and beyond. All are welcome. Contact: Craig Parker, craig.parker@navigators.org

Tues January 20 – ‘It Ain’t Over:’ Music for Hope, Joy and Justice

6:30 – 8:30pm At First Congregational Church of Wareham, 11 Gibbs Ave, Wareham MA 02571

Join the First Congregational Church of Wareham, UCC and the Arts at the Stone Church ministry for an evening of music, story, and reflection with Rev. Devlin Scott on Tuesday, January 20 in the Greozinger Room (11 Gibbs Ave, Wareham). A singer-songwriter, pastor, worship leader, and choir director, Devlin Scott’s music bridges faith, culture, and justice with honesty and hope, featuring songs from his debut single It Ain’t Over, which speaks to resilience and God’s presence in both joy and struggle. Light meal at 6:30 PM, performance at 7:30 PM. Free and open to all; donations welcome, with free parking available.

Wed January 21 – Forgiveness: An Alternative Account

6:00 to 8:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111

Rev. Dr. Matthew Ichihashi Potts explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness from his book ‘Forgiveness: An Alternative Account.’ Though forgiveness is often linked with reconciliation or the abatement of anger, Potts resists these associations, asserting instead that forgiveness is simply the refusal of retaliatory violence through practices of penitence and grief. Join us at 6:00 PM for refreshments; the talk begins at 6:30 PM. Free and open to all. Sign up HERE

Thurs January 22 – United as One Body Worship and Prayer Night

6:00 to 8:00pm at NewCity Church, 1135 Walnut Street, Newton MA 02461

Join us for a powerful worship and prayer night hosted by Rev. Devlin Scott from NewCity Church as we focus on the Ephesians vision of one body in alignment with the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Childcare will be provided; contact Rev. Devlin to request, devlin@newcitychurch.cc.

Thurs January 22 – Prayer for Christian Unity

7:00 to 8:00pm online – Zoom Link here

You are warmly invited to join pastors and leaders from the United Methodist and Episcopal Churches in New England for a prayer service for Christian Unity. We are honored that Bishop Thomas Brown, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, will preach and share the gospel with us. Bishop Thomas Bickerton, Bishop of the New England Conference (UMC), will also be present. Join via Zoom here

Sat January 24 – Building Bridges Workshop

9am to 2:30pm at First Federated Church, 200 Central Street, Hudson, MA, 01749

Grounded in Ephesians 2:19–22, this gathering celebrates our shared identity as “one household” in God, with Christ as the cornerstone. We are honored to welcome Dr. Virginia Ward as our keynote speaker. A dynamic pastor and educator, Dr. Ward will inspire us to build bridges of grace and unity across our diverse cultures and generations. $30/person or $100 for a group of any size. Register here.

Sun January 25 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service

7:00pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 61 Wood St, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Join pastoral leaders in the Hopkinton area for liturgical prayer using the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship service. Fr. Len Cowen from the Abbey of the Way will be the homilist.

Mon Jan 26 – Taize prayer with The Crossing

7:00 to 8:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111

Join the Crossing Community for Taize prayer, a simple form of Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence, and song based on the daily prayer of the religious community in Taizé, France.

Jan 14 2026

Forgiveness: An Alternative Account, with the Rev. Matthew Potts

‘Forgiveness: An Alternative Account’ – with Guest Speaker The Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts. January 21st 6-8pm

During the week of Christian Unity, we are delighted that the Rev. Dr. Matthew Ichihashi Potts will be joining us at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, to speak on the subject of ‘Forgiveness: An Alternative Account’. The ‘blurb’ from his book of the same name tells us:

Matthew Ichihashi Potts explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness, which he claims has too often served as a salve to the conscience of power rather than as an instrument of healing or justice. Though forgiveness is often linked with reconciliation or the abatement of anger, Potts resists these associations, asserting instead that forgiveness is simply the refusal of retaliatory violence through practices of penitence and grief. It is an act of mourning irrevocable wrong, of refusing the false promises of violent redemption, and of living in and with the losses we cannot recover.

Join us at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St, Boston). We’ll have refreshments from 6pm; the talk will begin at 6.30pm, and will include time for questions. The event is free and all are welcome; please help us to plan by signing up HERE.

Jan 09 2026

Mayor Wu’s Gathering of Faith and Community Leaders – A Joyful Faith-based Appreciation Brunch

This past week, Revs. Kelly Fassett and Devlin Scott joined clergy and faith leaders from across Boston at Mayor Michelle Wu’s Morning of Hope. Over breakfast, prayer, and shared reflection, civic and faith leaders came together to express gratitude, name the challenges of this moment, and renew a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our beloved city. What unfolded was a powerful glimpse of what is possible when the Church and the City choose partnership, unity, and hope for the flourishing of all who call Boston home.

P.S. Thank you to Will Dickerson, director of Faith-Based Engagement from the Mayor’s Office, for coordinating this gathering, and Jeremiah Robinson who took these incredible photos.

On a winter morning marked by warmth, prayer, and quiet anticipation, clergy and faith leaders from across Greater Boston gathered for Mayor Michelle Wu’s Morning of Hope—a breakfast convening that felt less like a formal program and more like a sacred pause. Hosted during Inauguration Week as Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council began a second term, the gathering created space to name gratitude, renew partnership, and speak hope over the city we love.

For UniteBoston, whose mission centers on Christian unity for the flourishing of our neighborhoods, the morning was a living snapshot of what becomes possible when civic leadership and the faith community meet not as silos, but as collaborators.

Entering the Room: A Spirit of Welcome

The day opened with hospitality—breakfast served, greetings exchanged, stories quietly shared. Will Dickerson, Head of Faith-Based Initiatives for the City of Boston, welcomed the room with a clear conviction: “We can move mountains with the people in this room.” His words set the tone for what followed—an invitation to shared responsibility rooted in trust.

Father John Currie offered the opening prayer, calling leaders to push back on despair and choose hope, grounding the morning in a posture of humility and dependence on God.

Voices of Faith, United in Purpose

Throughout the program, leaders from diverse faith traditions reflected on the moment we are living in—and the kind of leadership it requires.

Rabbi Marc Baker named the gathering itself as a sacred act, especially in divided times. Coming together across differences, he reminded us, is not a liability but a strength—one that Boston embodies.

Mayor Wu addressed the faith leaders in the room, sharing that

“Boston is a city where we have seen what happens when people from different faiths and traditions choose to stand together. We don’t agree on everything, but we do agree on what matters most: that every person deserves dignity, that love is stronger than hate, faith is more powerful than fear, and faith is a beacon guiding us through the darkness. These are the values of our congregations and they are the values of Boston as well. These are the values that make it so that when the country feels like it’s coming apart at the seams, Boston has remained the safest major city in America.”

One of the most moving moments came through Rev. Laura Everett of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, who shared from 1 Kings 19, drawing attention to God’s still, small voice. Her reflection lingered in the room:

“Beloved Boston, if we are to survive the days ahead, we will have to seek out the silence to hear from the Lord… It is possible to hear the voice of God in the city but only if we listen together. Only if we are reflective, not reactive. Only if we plan and pray and prepare, together.”

It was a timely word—not only for faith leaders, but for a city navigating complex challenges with courage and care.

Highlights video from the gathering compiled by the UniteBoston team. More highlights can be seen on UniteBoston’s social media: Facebook and Instagram

Highlight Video from Boston City TV

Highlights from the gathering from CBS News

Civic Leadership with an Open Door

When Mayor Michelle Wu addressed the gathering, her remarks reflected deep appreciation for the faith community’s decades-long partnership with the City of Boston—particularly over the past four years. She named shared values that transcend tradition and doctrine: dignity for every person, responsibility for one another, love over hate, faith over fear.

In a moment that resonated strongly with many in the room, Mayor Wu affirmed that Boston’s safety and resilience are inseparable from the quiet, faithful work happening every day in churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples—spaces where people are known, loved, and protected.

Her words were echoed by Police Commissioner Michael Cox, who spoke about trust, accountability, and the importance of partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The morning also celebrated civic leadership emerging from the faith community itself, recognizing Miniard Culpepper, Senior Pastor of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and newly elected City Councilor for District 7—a visible reminder that faith and public service often walk hand in hand.

Praying for the City, Together

As the program moved toward its close, Imam Ismail Fenni offered a prayer for the city, followed by a closing prayer from Rev. Dr. Dana Gonsal, sending leaders back into their neighborhoods grounded in hope and shared calling.

“Are we willing to unite and work with Mayor Wu and her vision to improve the quality of life for all Bostonians? My response, I am willing to work and unite with our Mayor to help improve the quality of life for the Neighborhoods of Boston. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity (Psalm 133).”

For many, the gathering left a lasting impression.

“The gathering felt less like an event and more of an invitation—an invitation to relationship, collaboration, and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of our city.” – Rev. Philomena Hare

“Mayor Wu reminded us of our role as a refuge for families, emphasizing that faith is a beacon. I am grateful that different faiths are standing together to create a strategy for every family’s flourishing in Boston.” – Rev. Dr. Virginia Ward

Rev. Reggie Smalls echoed that sentiment, naming the blessing of living in a city that recognizes the vital role of the faith community in building hope during challenging times.

Why This Matters for UniteBoston

At UniteBoston, we often speak about Christian unity not as an abstract ideal, but as a practiced commitment—to show up, to listen, and to partner for the common good. Mayor Wu’s Morning of Hope embodied that vision. It affirmed that this administration sees the faith community not as an afterthought, but as a trusted partner in the work of justice, compassion, and community flourishing.

As Rev. Rocklyn Clarke shared:

“Listening to the speakers, it was clear to me how important it will be to have disciples of Jesus working together to fulfill that hope… Together, let’s make disciples who make disciples who make a difference in our city.”

The Morning of Hope was exactly that—a reminder that another way is possible. A way where faith informs action, where civic leadership welcomes prayer, and where unity across difference becomes a beacon for our city and beyond.

“We are commanded to pray for those who are in authority over us 1 Timothy 2:1-2, so I joined with other leaders from the body of Christ in Boston and other faith leaders across the city to pray for our mayor as she begins her next term,” said Rev. David Searles, pastor of Central Community Church in East Boston. “I am encouraged to continue my work in Boston with hope and I am more committed to pray for our mayor, to pray for her family, and to pray for the peace of the city.”

As we left the room, we carried with us a renewed sense of calling—and a quiet confidence that when faith and city walk together, hope is not just proclaimed. It is practiced.

Revs. Kelly and Devlin were grateful for the opportunity to meet Mayor Michelle Wu at the gathering!

Dec 29 2025

UniteBoston’s Top 15 Photos of 2025

From hosting the United Gospel Experience Tour, to building and launching the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard, to hosting two leadership cohorts, and hiring our second full time staff person, this was an incredible year for UniteBoston! Check out our year in review for 2025 – Glory to God!

**#15: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity –** Clergy from many Christian traditions were invited to join for a prayer service by Archbishop Henning for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Archbishop Henning shared, “I hope and pray that, in gathering together, we will all be strengthened in that same power of Gospel, in the midst of a world that is too often about violence, hatred, and taking, to give that witness of solidarity, of compassion, and faith in God.” Lutheran Bishop Nathan Pippho also shared a powerful sermon on how our belief in Jesus Christ is a witness to the world about God’s love.

**#14: Partnership with Gordon College:** Rev. Kelly was honored to share about UniteBoston with students in the new M.A. in Community Transformation program at Gordon College. We’re excited about the innovative ways they’re reimagining theological education—and their support for UniteBoston’s ministries as we collaborate together to seek the flourishing of the city.

**#13: Maundy Thursday Prayer Service** – On Maundy Thursday, hundreds of Christians from dozens of churches gathered for Churches Praying Together—a Spirit-filled night of worship, communion, and healing prayer where many lingered long after the service ended, moved by God’s presence.

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#12: “Prayers for Liberty” Walk. On Labor Day, Rev. Kelly Fassett and Rev. Devlin Scott joined 300+ people of diverse faith traditions to walk 11 miles from Lexington’s Town Green to the MLK “Embrace” monument on Boston Common with Prayers for Liberty. Together we reversed Paul Revere’s ride to publicly witness to the need to build just societies where every person is treated with dignity as beloved children of God, and to uphold the foundational commitments of our Constitution—principles of liberty, justice, and equality.

**#11: UniteBoston Cohort Alumni Friendsgiving:** Our UB cohort alumni gathered in November for a Friendsgiving-style reunion at Pho Que Restaurant in Dorchester — a small, pastor-owned Vietnamese restaurant with some of the best pho in the city. Around steaming bowls of soup, we reconnected with friends old and new and shared both the joys and challenges of ministry today.

P.S. Pho Quê doesn’t just serve delicious food — it is owned by a local pastor of an Assemblies of God church. Pastor Daniel has a party room in the back, which he would love to see as a space for Christians to gather in community!

**#10: UB’s Sankofa Cohort –** This cohort seeks to cultivate a *common memory* and nurture the spiritual vitality that has sustained the Black freedom movement—past and present—rooted in the liberating heart of the gospel. This spring, the cohort members are conducting living history interviews, pairing seasoned Black Christian leaders with our Sankofa team members to capture their experiences and insights for future generations. Stay tuned for a **Boston Sankofa Showcase** in Spring 2026—a Moth-style storytelling night featuring voices, art, and testimonies gathered throughout the year.

**#9: UniteBoston BIPOC Island Retreat** – In July, we hosted our four annual “Circle of Restoration” Island Retreat. This annual day of rest and restoration brought together over 30 BIPOC leaders from across the city for a time of connection, creativity, and care. From a powerful devotional to dancing, painting, massages, and more—it was a sacred space to breathe, laugh, and be renewed.

**#8: Christian Unity Cohort Retreat** – This group of thirteen Christian leaders gathered under the shared hope of building something that could help the Church become more whole. Month by month, conversation by conversation, they started co-creating a discipleship experience for those longing to see reconciliation in the Church and the world. Read their testimonies of how it was a journey of unity, truth, and transformation.

**#7: Civic Engagement Pastors Cohort** – This courageous group of local pastors committed to staying in relationship through a divisive political season. Beginning in Fall 2024 with a gathering of 80+ diverse Christian leaders, they chose to resist “us vs. them” narratives and model a Christ-centered way of civic engagement rooted in curiosity and respect. They met monthly for one year to listen and share stories with one another on race, political engagement, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, immigration, and more, seeking to explore how the way of Jesus meets this civic moment.

**#6: Boston Flourish.** In November, UniteBoston worked with other organizations to convene a conference where 266 leaders gathered across sectors to collaborate around essential issues facing our city. Here, Rev. Devlin leads the session on Next Generation Engagement.

**#5:** **“Fortify” Fundraising Party & Community Gathering** – Over 100 people gathered together for an incredible evening where we enjoyed a delicious Caribbean BBQ meal, gained wisdom from a keynote talk by Rev. Michelle Sanchez, and heard a live music performance by Rev. Devlin Scott. We also met our fundraising goal, which enabled us to hire not just one but two full-time employees!

**#4: Launch of the Beloved Community Lab cohort.** This incredible group of pastors and leaders are a pilot cohort for our Beloved Community Lab, a new curriculum we’re working to develop to disciple leaders in holistic spiritual formation—loving God and neighbor, and living this love out in tangible ways, through belovedness, diversity, reconciliation, justice, and shalom.

**#3: Hosting the United Gospel Experience Tour** – 100+ college students from six campuses across the region have united this year for a United Gospel Experience Tour with four different concerts. There is something about being led in worship by 70+ young adults from diverse backgrounds, all part of a mass gospel choir that has strengthened each individual campus as well. Save the date for the next concert at February 21 in Lowell and April 18 at Morningstar Baptist in Boston!

**#2 – Launching the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard** – This year, UniteBoston catalyzed congregations and leaders to care for and accompany our new immigrant and refugee neighbors through continuing our “Sanctuary for Strangers” resource page and convening a breakout session at Boston Flourish. Additionally, Rev. Kelly and Rev. Melinda led a team from a variety of organizations to build and launch the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard, which provides real-time, accessible information on essential resources for immigrants, refugees, and service providers—ensuring timely and effective support. Please check it out and spread the word about this new resource!

**#1:** **Christmas Eve Worship Service.** More than 200 people gathered outside the ICE detention facility in Burlington to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ birth at a Christmas Eve service co-hosted by the Massachusetts Council of Churches and UniteBoston—lifting up separated families and bearing witness to the light of Christ that shines even in places of deep pain, injustice, and darkness. Prayers, Scripture, and songs rose in Spanish, English, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, and Portuguese. One especially powerful moment came as we lifted our hands toward the building and prayed for those held inside who are separated from their families this Christmas.

We were grateful to see so many people join us in worship and to see the media pick up this story: MSNow, GBH, and the Boston Globe. Follow us on Facebook/ Instagram for more highlights from this service. Detention walls and documentation status cannot divide the Body of Christ. As the diverse Church comes together, we can bear witness to the good news of Emmanuel—God with us.

It’s been incredible to see UniteBoston’s programs and impact grow in significant ways these past few years, glory to God! Thanks for joining with us – your prayers, participation, and finances have made this ministry happen! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2026!