The 2020 Prayer for Christian Unity service. (HCH File Photo)
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Diocese of Honolulu will not host its usual prayer service marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity this year.
The ecumenical observance has been celebrated on Oahu in January for the past seven straight years at the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Hawaii in Manoa. Besides Catholics, attendees have included leaders of Protestant, Orthodox and Eastern Rite denominations.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed internationally from the Feast of St. Peter’s Chair on Jan. 18 to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on Jan. 25.
In announcing the decision not to host the event, Deacon Modesto Cordero, director of the diocesan Office of Worship wrote in a memo, “We are living in uncertain times and we think it would be best for everyone to take this time to pray with their own communities not only for unity among all Christians, but also for the end of this terrible pandemic.”
“We hope to be able to gather again next year in person,” he said.
The theme for this year is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit,” based on John 15:1-17.