‘Christ’s Love Reconciles and Unites’
The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) will observe the Asia Sunday–2022 on the theme ‘Christ’s Love Reconciles and Unites’.
This year, Asia Sunday will be observed on 21 August 2022.
Although Asia Sunday is annually observed on the Sunday before Pentecost, this year Asia Sunday is being organised in the run-up to the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the theme of which is ‘Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity’.
The CCA General Secretary, Dr Mathews George Chunakara, said, “It is hoped that the Asia Sunday–2022 will be a clarion call to the member churches and councils of the CCA to metanoia, or a complete spiritual transformation, that empowers us to be more self-giving and self-emptying. This specially prepared liturgy for Asia Sunday is offered as a pathway to becoming inspired, and to becoming a community in Asia that authentically lives out the ministry of reconciliation and unity, which are the obligations of abiding in Christ’s love.”
“The observance of Asia Sunday on the eve of the WCC Assembly will be an occasion for the CCA and WCC member churches and councils in Asia to reflect on the forthcoming WCC Assembly theme from an Asian perspective as well as to pray for the 11th Assembly,” added the CCA General Secretary.
With a focus on reconciliation and unity in the Asian context, the special liturgy contains prayers of intercession for the people of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Philippines that are coping with challenging and uncertain times.
“O Lord of hope and love, hear the prayers of your people in need of healing, reconciliation, and unity. Let your mercy and love flow to your people suffering from poverty and indifference. Let your justice and peace flow like a river…” reads one of the prayers of the Asia Sunday liturgy.
Another prayer continues,
“Our reconciling and uniting God, you revealed to us your compassionate love through the liberating work of Jesus. Through the cross of Christ, we affirm your compassion that transforms the world, in the midst of adversities, divisions, wars, turmoil, and crises.”
The CCA encourages all member churches and councils as well as ecumenical partners to use the Asia Sunday liturgy in the coming days.
The text of the special liturgy can be accessed here:
