2007 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Be Opened

This year's theme: Christian Unity. Mark 7: 31-37 is the central biblical text for this week of prayer materials. The origins for the theme are found in the experience of the Christian communities in the South African region of Umlazi, near Durban, who have undergone great suffering. A legacy of racism, unemployment and poverty, as well as a shortage of schools, medical clinics and adequate housing, continues to raise formidable challenges that contribute to the high crime rate and problems of abuse. The biggest challenge in the informal settlements and townships, however, is HIV/AIDS.

This year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity brings two invitations to Christian churches: to pray and strive together for Christian unity, and to join together in responding to human suffering. These two responsibilities are deeply intertwined. Because both relate to healing the body of Christ, the principal scripture text chosen is a story of healing.

The materials include a preparation guide, Bible study approaches, activities for children and youth, hymn suggestions, eight days of biblical reflections, an order of worship.