Advertisement

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Catholic Official in Angola Calls for Dialogue to Build Peace

The Coordinator of Ecumenical Pastoral Ministry in Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda has called for unity, dialogue, reconciliation, and peace among Christians at the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Southern African nation.

Speaking to ACI Africa on Saturday, January 18 after the ecumenical service that was held to inaugurate the Week of Prayer at Our Lady of Fatima Parish of Luanda Archdiocese, Fr. Adelino Kangue Moma appealed for continued efforts to foster dialogue as a pathway to peaceful coexistence.

“We must continue building encounters, dialogue, and reconciliation in our families, groups, movements, and parishes to live in peace,” Fr. Moma told ACI Africa.

He added, “Our purpose is always to build bridges so that there are no barriers and that religion is never an obstacle to human connection. This is the essence of ecumenism.”

The Angolan Catholic Priest explained that prayer for Christian unity aims to prevent divisions based on denominational affiliations. The objective, he said, is to treat others as brothers and sisters, even when they belong to different Christian communities. 

Advertisement

He noted that the noble goal of ecumenism is rooted in mutual respect and fraternity.

Traditionally observed from January 18 to 25, the Week of Prayer is marked by a series of liturgical and communal events. 

Fr. Moma said that the January 18 opening service would be followed by various activities coordinated by parish communities throughout the week.

He said, “To facilitate participation, we have scheduled major events for the opening and closing, while individual communities will pray locally.”

Representatives from multiple Christian denominations, including Methodists, Kimbanguists, Anglicans, and members of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Angola, joined the opening service. 

More in Africa

Fr. Moma clarified, “Most of the churches present today are members of the Christian Council of Churches in Angola (CICA), along with representatives from the Evangelical Alliance of Angola.”

Fr. Agnelo Kiami, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima highlighted the spiritual and national importance of unity.

 “We must pray daily for peace and reconciliation in our hearts. Angola still suffers from the lack of genuine reconciliation,” he said. 

“As Christians, we are called to work for the good of our nation and humanity. The path forward is unity,” Fr. Kiami added.

Reflecting on the spiritual journey toward holiness, the Angolan Catholic Priest said, “Walking together brings us closer to sanctity. Be holy as our Heavenly Father is holy, always in the spirit of communion, participation, and mission.” 

Advertisement

He noted that prayer for unity and reconciliation must be an ongoing effort.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.